If you’re a fan of Yellowstone, then you already know Rip Wheeler, the tough-as-nails ranch hand with a soft spot for Beth Dutton. Cole Hauser, the actor behind Rip, has become one of the most beloved stars of the hit Western drama. But here’s something that might surprise you even more than Rip’s loyalty to the Dutton family—the jaw-dropping salary Hauser earned per episode.
Get ready, because once you hear the numbers, you’ll never look at Yellowstone the same way again.
The Rise of Yellowstone
Before we dive into dollar signs, let’s talk about Yellowstone. Created by Taylor Sheridan, the show has become a cultural phenomenon. From the sprawling Montana landscapes to the cutthroat Dutton family drama, it’s hooked millions of viewers worldwide.
And with success like that, the cast members aren’t just household names—they’re banking serious paychecks.
Who Is Cole Hauser?
Cole Hauser might seem like he came out of nowhere when Yellowstone premiered, but the truth is he’s been working in Hollywood for decades. You may have spotted him in movies like Good Will Hunting, 2 Fast 2 Furious, and Tears of the Sun.
Still, Rip Wheeler became his career-defining role, turning him from a recognizable face into a bona fide star.
The Importance of Rip Wheeler
Why is Rip such a standout? It’s simple: he’s the backbone of the Dutton ranch. Loyal, fierce, and complicated, Rip isn’t just another cowboy—he’s the emotional anchor of the series.
Fans love him because he’s tough on the outside but deeply vulnerable when it comes to Beth. That emotional depth made Rip one of the show’s most popular characters—and made Hauser one of its highest-paid stars.
Cole Hauser’s Yellowstone Salary Revealed
So, how much did Cole Hauser make per episode? Reports suggest that Hauser was raking in around $200,000 per episode of Yellowstone.
Yes, you read that right. Two hundred grand—for every single episode. Considering each season runs roughly 10 episodes, that’s a cool $2 million per season.
Not too shabby for a cowboy hat, some grit, and a whole lot of acting chops.
How Does That Compare to His Co-Stars?
Of course, Cole Hauser isn’t the only one making bank on Yellowstone. Kevin Costner, who plays patriarch John Dutton, reportedly earned around $1.2 million per episode—making him the highest-paid actor on TV at the time.
Other cast members like Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton) and Luke Grimes (Kayce Dutton) also pulled in significant salaries, though Hauser’s paycheck certainly stands out given his rise in fame thanks to the series.
Why Did Hauser Deserve That Pay?
Some might say $200,000 an episode is excessive. But when you look at the impact Rip Wheeler has had on fans, it makes perfect sense.
He’s a fan favorite, the kind of character people tune in specifically to watch. Memorable scenes with Rip often become viral moments online, keeping the buzz around Yellowstone alive.
And let’s not forget—actors don’t just bring lines to life. They carry the weight of a show’s popularity on their shoulders.
How Yellowstone’s Success Boosted Salaries
When Yellowstone first started, few could have predicted it would explode into one of the biggest shows on cable. But once it became a ratings juggernaut, salaries went up across the board.
It’s the natural cycle of TV stardom: the bigger the show, the bigger the paycheck.
Cole Hauser’s Net Worth
Hauser’s Yellowstone earnings are just a piece of his financial puzzle. Estimates put his net worth around $8–10 million, thanks to both his television success and a string of movie roles.
And with more projects in the pipeline, don’t expect that number to stay still for long.
The Impact on His Career
Before Yellowstone, Cole Hauser was the kind of actor you recognized but didn’t necessarily know by name. Now? He’s a household name, a red-carpet regular, and one of the most bankable stars on TV.
That $200,000 paycheck wasn’t just about money—it was about recognition. It showed the industry that Hauser was worth the investment.
Fans React to the Salary News
When fans found out how much Hauser was making, reactions were mixed. Some were shocked, while others said he deserved every penny.
Scrolling through social media, you’ll find comments like:
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“He’s the backbone of Yellowstone—pay the man!”
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“Wow, I need to become a cowboy…”
One thing’s for sure: Hauser has earned not only money but also the admiration of his fanbase.
Comparing TV Salaries: Hauser vs. Other Stars
To put Hauser’s $200,000 into perspective, let’s compare:
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Cast members of Friends famously made $1 million per episode in later seasons.
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Game of Thrones stars were earning around $500,000–$700,000 per episode by the end.
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Hauser’s paycheck may not hit those heights, but for a show built outside of the usual Hollywood machine, it’s impressive.
The Business of Yellowstone
It’s worth remembering that Yellowstone isn’t just a TV show—it’s a brand. With spinoffs like 1883 and 1923, merchandise, and streaming deals, the franchise is a gold mine.
And as the franchise grows, salaries like Hauser’s make sense—they’re investments in the brand’s success.
Could Hauser’s Salary Increase in Spinoffs?
With Yellowstone coming to an end and spinoffs already in development, fans are wondering: will Cole Hauser appear in future projects? And if so, will his salary climb even higher?
Given his popularity, it’s not far-fetched to think Hauser could negotiate an even bigger payday if Rip rides again.
Conclusion
Cole Hauser may not have started Yellowstone as its highest-paid actor, but his role as Rip Wheeler turned him into one of the show’s biggest stars—and one of its most valuable. At $200,000 per episode, his salary reflects both his talent and the show’s massive success.
So the next time you see Rip staring down an enemy on the ranch, just remember: behind that cowboy hat is a man who’s not only stealing scenes but also cashing in big.
FAQs
1. How much did Cole Hauser make per episode of Yellowstone?
He reportedly earned around $200,000 per episode.
2. How much did Kevin Costner make per episode?
Kevin Costner was paid around $1.2 million per episode, making him one of the highest-paid actors on TV.
3. What is Cole Hauser’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated at $8–10 million.
4. Will Cole Hauser appear in Yellowstone spinoffs?
It hasn’t been confirmed, but given Rip’s popularity, many fans hope he will.
5. Is Cole Hauser the highest-paid Yellowstone actor?
No—Kevin Costner holds that title. But Hauser’s earnings are still impressive.
