Yes, Alone contestants get paid a stipend of $1,000-$2,000 per week.
For years, History viewers have questioned whether “Alone” contestants receive any compensation for their time on the show. These resilient individuals endure the wilderness for weeks, armed with little more than their wits. The show’s survivalists are dropped in remote, undisclosed locations with minimal gear and the task of self-documenting their experiences.
The contestant who endures the longest, facing isolation, harsh weather, and dangerous predators, claims a $500,000 grand prize. But what about those who don’t win? Sam Larson, a Season 1 runner-up who later triumphed in Season 5, revealed in a deleted Reddit comment that “Alone” contestants receive a modest weekly stipend for their work on the production, including pre- and post-show duties. While it may not be extravagant, it’s considered better than the compensation for many reality shows.
In online discussions, fans speculated that the stipend ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 per week, possibly more than what typical reality show contestants receive because “Alone” survivalists are responsible for their own camera work. This arrangement is seen as reasonable, as camera operators in a union setting wouldn’t work for free, and the contestants effectively take on these roles themselves while enduring the challenging conditions of the show.