Here's how much Home and Away extras get paid: 'Really fun'

Home and Away is an Australian staple, having been on our screens since 1988, producing stars such as Chris Hemsworth, Naomi Watts and Samara Weaving.

However, it’s not all glitz and glamour — and it was revealed today that extras don't actually earn a huge amount.

An extra called Sophie revealed to Nova’s Fitzy & Wippa that she makes around $350 for a 10-hour day, but it isn’t easy.

“I’m going to be in a bikini for about 10 hours today at Palm Beach in the middle of winter. You laugh now, but been there, done that!” she explained.

Home and Away shoots approximately six months in advance, so scenes shot in August would likely be airing in summer.

The radio hosts said it would be ‘freezing’ wearing a bikini in winter, but Wippa said he’d gladly give it a go.

“$350 for bikinis, I’d do that for sure,” he quipped.

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The $35 hourly wage is higher than the minimum wage in Australia, which is $21.38 per hour. As an added benefit, extras on films and television shows often get a hot catered lunch due to the long days.

However, it’s unclear whether the fee mentioned takes the background agency’s cut into account.

Yahoo Lifestyle spoke with a woman who appeared on the soap as a student, back when Summer Bay High was a regular occurrence.

“My favourite part was being a student because you got to dress up in the uniform and carry around your school books. We each got our own locker, so it felt like we were actually in a real school,” she says.

“I loved being an extra in the Surf Club with Alf, it was really fun to watch him work."

Our source also spills that catering was often provided and that the crew treats extras really well. Extras are often asked to bring clothing options, but have strict guidelines on what they should bring.

“It’s always summer, so in the middle of winter, I had to wear a dress and thongs. It was freezing on set!” she admits.

PGs Agency, a Sydney talent agency that represents actors and extras, has some handy tips on what people need to know if they want to become an extra.

“Extras come in all looks, shapes, sizes, nationalities and ages. PGs Extras range from 3 years old to grandparents and great-grandparents. Extras are used in film & television to represent real people,” their website reads.

“Extras are not required to speak but are often asked to pretend to speak or perform a little to make the scene more realistic.”

The agency also says extras need to be ‘reliable, punctual and professional’, and it’s helpful if you have a car.

Yahoo Lifestyle has reached out to Seven for comment.

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