How much did the actors on the wire get paid?

The salaries of actors on "The Wire" varied widely depending on their roles and experience. Main cast members like Dominic West and Idris Elba reportedly earned between $50,000 and $60,000 per episode in later seasons. Supporting actors typically made less, with estimates ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 per episode. Overall, the show operated on a relatively modest budget compared to other high-profile series.