A former Farmer Wants A Wife (FWAW) contestant has spilled the beans on how much they get paid while filming the show, and it’s ummm, definitely something.
For folks who don’t traverse the realm of reality TV dating shows, FWAW is considered to be one of the most wholesome ones out there. It’s also one of the most successful series, bringing 22 couples together throughout its 14-season run (not including 2026, obvs).
How much do contestants get paid on Farmer Wants A Wife?
FWAW 2024 contestant Ellen Dunger — who was vying for the heart of Farmer Todd — spilled a bunch of behind-the-scenes tea about the show last year, including how much she was paid.
Dunger claimed she received $80 a day when filming, but nothing on their days off. However, 40 per cent of the 80 bucks was withheld until after the season had aired.
“So you get $80 a day during filming, but you don’t get it on your days off,” Dunger claimed on TikTok.
“40 per cent of that is withheld until after it airs. So you get sweet FA in terms of money from going on the show.”
@ellen_159 more insider info on Farmer Wants A Wife Australia. For those asking, I was on the intruder farm in 2024. They muted me out of the edit but not anymore! #farmerwantsawife #television #realitytv #australiantelevision #farmerau #fwaw
♬ original sound – Ellen
Surely you’d think the contestants would get a little extra dosh for some outfits, hair and makeup, right?
Well, according to Dunger, she claimed that all the on-screen glam was provided by the contestants.
“That whole speed dating thing is very intense. Like, those girls — honestly, you’re up at like, stupid o’clock to do your own hair, your own makeup. Then you film all day, and they rip emotions from you, and by the end, you’re so emotionally drained that you just want to cry because you’re so tired,” she shared.
Sophie Threthowan, who was also on FWAW 2024 and found love with Farmer Dustin, also revealed that she got paid $80 a day for filming, travel stays and the reunion episode.
“So it’s $80 a day for when you’re filming and travel days, and I got paid $80 for the reunion as well,” she told Yahoo! Lifestyle.
“It’s not a lot of money, but at the end of the day, you don’t go on there for that. I never looked at it like that. I was like, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Obviously, the farmers get paid more. I know that for a fact. But I’m not one to complain because at the end of the day, I knew that I wasn’t doing it for money.”
Threthowan also revealed that the House AP pays for the groceries on the farm. However, contestants still spend heaps of dosh while filming.
“Some girls quit their jobs, you can’t work for months, and I was still paying off a house loan. I was lucky I had savings, but you have to have that in mind if you’re applying. They’re up front with you that you’re only getting paid $80 a day, so if that’s a problem, don’t do it,” she added.
In comparison, Married At First Sight contestants allegedly make $150 a day with a $128 food allowance (not including their wardrobe, which contestants supply). However, the stuff they go through is a bit more… iffy! From photo rankings to those chaotic dinner parties, you’ll need to pay me a humble sum of 12 billion dollars and an actual husband.
However, you are looking for lovey-dovey mushy mushy stuff, FWAW could be your stop! After all, it has the best success rate out of all the shows.
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