For most of the show’s run, Mark Harmon was the highest paid actor on NCIS. In addition to playing the central character, Leroy Jethro Gibbs, he also served as an executive producer, which significantly increased his earnings.
At the peak of his time on the series, Harmon was reportedly earning around $500,000 per episode. While other cast members like Sean Murray and Michael Weatherly also earned substantial salaries, none surpassed Harmon during his tenure. His dual role both on-screen and behind the scenes made him the top earner in the show’s history.