With over two decades portraying Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU, Mariska Hargitay’s salary reflects her status as one of television’s most enduring stars. But just how much does she make per episode of this groundbreaking series? Prepare to be surprised.
Since making her debut in September 1999, Hargitay has been an integral part of Law & Order: SVU, a spinoff of the original Law & Order. The show follows Detective Benson, and her partner, Detective Elliot Stabler (played by Christopher Meloni), as they tackle crimes in the Special Victims Unit of a fictionalized New York City Police Department. Meloni’s tenure lasted 12 seasons, but Hargitay has remained a steadfast presence on the show.
In a remarkable career spanning over 20 seasons, Law & Order: SVU has garnered more than 30 Emmy Awards, including one for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Hargitay in 2006. This accolade made her the first main cast member from any Law & Order series to win an Emmy, a testament to her powerful portrayal of Benson.
In a 2019 interview with Parade, Hargitay attributed the show’s longevity to its ability to provide a path to healing and hope for survivors of sexual violence. “SVU resonates because it’s a path to healing and a path to survivorship,” she explained. “The conversations that the show inspires have brought greater awareness and understanding of the issues.”
Yet, even with her iconic role, there are moments when Hargitay struggles to recall past episodes. During a 2019 appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers, she revealed a humorous side to her experience. “I watched an old episode and couldn’t remember a thing. I got completely engrossed, thinking, ‘This is a good show!’” she laughed, acknowledging her occasional memory lapses.
Despite such moments, what’s unmistakably clear is the scale of Hargitay’s earnings from SVU. According to a 2018 Forbes report, Hargitay earned a staggering $13 million for season 19 of the series. With 24 episodes in that season, this translates to approximately $540,000 per episode—a significant increase from the $450,000 per episode reported in 2014. This impressive figure secured her spot as one of television’s highest-paid actresses.
Forbes also ranked Hargitay among the top television actors, listing her as the 11th richest, tying with Modern Family’s Jesse Tyler Ferguson. Celebrity Net Worth estimates her total wealth at an impressive $100 million, reflecting her SVU salary and various other ventures. Beyond her acting career, Hargitay has made significant contributions through the Joyful Heart Foundation, which she founded in 2004. The organization, dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse, has raised over $20 million.
Reflecting on her journey, Hargitay shared in a 2010 Good Housekeeping interview that she was once struggling financially before landing her role on SVU. “I had a lot of credit card debt,” she recalled. “Money was so tight that I had to rely on my then-boyfriend for help.” She expressed gratitude for her financial turnaround, stating, “I’ve learned to hang on to my money. Now I have a nest egg and I don’t buy above my means.”
Mariska Hargitay’s journey from financial struggle to becoming a beloved TV icon and philanthropist highlights not only her professional achievements but also her resilience and commitment to making a difference.