Block hosts Scott Cam and Shelley Craft pocket millions while contestants scrape by on $100 a day. Picture: Channel 9.

Millionaire Block stars are cashing six-and seven-figure cheques while the contestants who pour their sweat and tears survive on just $100 a day.

Host Scott Cam leads the pack on a staggering $2.4m a year — about $48,000 an episode — cementing his spot as one of Australia’s richest television presenters.

Co-host Shelley Craft is estimated to earn between $500,000 and $750,000 a season, while former foreman Keith Schleiger, who stepped back last year after 16 seasons, was believed to be on $250,000-$300,000.

His successor Dan Reilly, now the sole foreman, is tipped to pocket closer to $150,000-$200,000.

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By comparison, the judges are paid modestly, long-time panellists Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer are rumoured to earn $60,000-$100,000 a season, while newcomer Whitefox founder Marty Fox is reportedly on a $2000-$3000 per-episode deal.
But Mr Fox himself has claimed the role delivered his business “over $250,000 in free advertising,” with client leads tripling after his first season.

Former judge Neale Whitaker, who quit the show after 13 years, was also understood to be in the same $70,000-$100,000 bracket as his fellow panellists.

Industry insiders suggest his move to Seven’s My Reno Rules, which begins filming this month, came with a far more lucrative offer, believed to be around $150,000.

But while the stars enjoy steady pay, the contestants — known as Blockheads — are left at the bottom of the financial ladder.

The judging panel earn just a slice of the hosts’ fortune — but score priceless brand exposure. Picture: Channel 9

Neale Whitaker (far right) quit The Block for Seven’s My Reno Rules, and a much fatter pay cheque.

Each is paid just $100 a day, or about $16,800 per couple across the gruelling 12-week build.

Prominent Melbourne buyers advocate Cate Bakos said the stipend was “below minimum wage” once the hours were factored in.

“If that was the industry standard, it would be shocking,” Ms Bakos said.
“Contestants aren’t just chasing the money, they’re chasing the platform.
“For those who can leverage it into media or design careers, the exposure can be worth more than the daily pay.”

From contestant to foreman, Dan Reilly now runs the site for an estimated $150k-$200k a season. Picture: Channel 9

Melbourne buyers’ advocate Cate Bakos blasts the $100-a-day stipend as “below minimum wage.”

Ms Bakos said the unpredictable auction results were a TV bubble, not a reflection of Melbourne’s market.

“The way the bidding unfolds just doesn’t mirror the real world, she said.
“It’s produced for entertainment, not a snapshot of the auction scene.”

M R Advocacy director and mortgage broker Madeleine Roberts agreed the financial gamble was huge.

M R Advocacy director and co-founder of Scale Lending mortgage brokers Madeleine Roberts warns the show’s financial gamble can be “crippling” without savings.

“Mortgages, childcare, day-to-day bills don’t stop just because you’re on TV,” Ms Roberts said.
“Unless you’ve got savings behind you, the financial strain could be crippling.”

Ms Roberts said the salary gulf between Cam and Craft also raised eyebrows.

“Both Scott Cam and Shelley are the faces of the show. They’re equally visible, equally recognised, yet his salary is miles ahead. It definitely raises questions about pay equity in television,” she said.

Block 2025 duo Robbie and Mat slog it out for peanuts while building million-dollar homes. Picture: Channel 9

But she added the real pay-off for contestants was visibility.

“For many, The Block is less about a cheque at auction and more about launching a career,” she said.
“You might not win the auction, but you win credibility and future opportunities.”

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david.bonaddio@news.com.au