Ever wondered how much your favorite superheroes earned while saving the world? From the original 2012 blockbuster The Avengers to the record-breaking Endgame finale, Avengers actor salaries have soared to staggering heights. In this 2025 update, we break down what each major star—from Robert Downey Jr. to Scarlett Johansson—was paid, how those salaries evolved, and the surprising business ventures they launched along the way.
Quick Bio: Avengers Actor Salaries
| Actor | MCU Role | Years Active | Estimated MCU Earnings | Notable Ventures / Projects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Downey Jr. | Iron Man / Tony Stark | 2008–2019 | $300+ million | FootPrint Coalition, Dolittle |
| Chris Evans | Captain America | 2011–2019 | ~$100 million | Knives Out, A Starting Point |
| Chris Hemsworth | Thor | 2011–Present | $120 million | Extraction, Centr (fitness app) |
| Scarlett Johansson | Black Widow | 2010–2021 | $100–120 million | Black Widow, The Outset (skincare) |
| Mark Ruffalo | Hulk / Bruce Banner | 2012–Present | ~$70 million | She-Hulk, Climate Activism |
| Jeremy Renner | Hawkeye / Clint Barton | 2011–Present | ~$50 million | Mayor of Kingstown, Hawkeye (Disney+) |
| Tom Holland | Spider-Man | 2016–Present | $30–50 million | Uncharted, The Crowded Room |
| Paul Rudd | Ant-Man | 2015–Present | $50–65 million | Ghostbusters, All-Star Bowling charity |
| Brie Larson | Captain Marvel | 2019–Present | $20–25 million | Lessons in Chemistry, YouTube Channel |
| Elizabeth Olsen | Wanda / Scarlet Witch | 2014–2022 | ~$20 million | WandaVision, indie films |
| Benedict Cumberbatch | Doctor Strange | 2016–Present | $20–30 million | Sherlock, stage work |
| Chadwick Boseman † | Black Panther | 2016–2020 | ~$10 million | 42, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom |
| Samuel L. Jackson | Nick Fury | 2008–Present | ~$50 million | Secret Invasion, Pulp Fiction legacy |
The Rise of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)
The MCU began in 2008 with Iron Man, but it wasn’t until The Avengers (2012) that the real financial power of Marvel’s shared universe was revealed. The film grossed over $1.5 billion globally, launching its stars into superstardom and multimillion-dollar salaries.
From 2012 to 2019, the leading Avengers actors renegotiated their contracts, causing Avengers actor salaries to skyrocket with massive pay bumps, backend deals, and bonuses tied to box office success.
Top Avengers Cast Salaries: Who Made What?
Robert Downey Jr. (Tony Stark / Iron Man)
- The Avengers (2012): $50 million (base + backend deal)
- Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015): Estimated $80 million
- Avengers: Infinity War (2018): $75 million
- Avengers: Endgame (2019): $75 million+
Total MCU Earnings: Over $300 million
Downey Jr. famously negotiated backend profits, earning more than any other actor in the MCU. His success with Iron Man and charisma made him the face of the MCU, and his savvy business moves reflect that.
Chris Evans (Steve Rogers / Captain America)
- The Avengers (2012): $2–3 million
- Endgame (2019): $15–20 million
Total MCU Earnings: ~$75–100 million
Evans started with a modest salary but quickly saw growth as Captain America became a fan favorite. By Endgame, he was commanding a hefty eight-figure paycheck.
Chris Hemsworth (Thor)
- The Avengers (2012): ~$2 million
- Thor: Ragnarok (2017): ~$15 million
- Infinity War & Endgame: ~$15 million per film
Total MCU Earnings: ~$90–120 million
Hemsworth’s earnings soared thanks to Ragnarok’s success and Thor’s evolution into a comedic powerhouse. He’s now one of Hollywood’s top-paid action stars.
Scarlett Johansson (Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow)
- The Avengers (2012): $4–6 million
- Endgame: $15 million
- Black Widow (2021): $20 million + backend
Total MCU Earnings: ~$100–120 million
Johansson was the first female Avenger and ultimately led her film. Despite initial pay gaps, she secured major paydays later, and even sued Disney over streaming revenue (settled privately in her favor).
Mark Ruffalo (Bruce Banner / Hulk)
- The Avengers (2012): ~$2–3 million
- Endgame: ~$15 million
Total MCU Earnings: ~$50–70 million
Though Hulk didn’t get a solo film in the MCU due to rights issues, Ruffalo still enjoyed large ensemble paydays, especially in the later films.
Jeremy Renner (Clint Barton / Hawkeye)
- The Avengers (2012): ~$3 million
- Endgame: ~$15 million
- Hawkeye (Disney+ series): $5 million+
Total MCU Earnings: ~$40–50 million
Renner’s earnings include both film and streaming ventures. His Disney+ series helped sustain his income post-Endgame.
Other Notable Cast Members
- Tom Holland (Spider-Man): ~$4–5 million for early roles, now demanding $10+ million per film
- Paul Rudd (Ant-Man): $8–12 million per film post-2018
- Brie Larson (Captain Marvel): $5 million for debut, with likely increases ahead
Beyond the Screen: Business Ventures & Endorsements
Many Avengers used their MCU fame as a springboard into major business deals:
- Robert Downey Jr. launched FootPrint Coalition, a climate tech VC fund.
- Scarlett Johansson co-founded The Outset, a clean skincare brand.
- Chris Hemsworth owns Centr, a fitness app valued at over $200 million (as of 2025).
- Chris Evans partnered with A Starting Point, a civic engagement platform.
These ventures often generate millions in revenue and enhance their long-term wealth.
Conclusion: Superheroes, Super Salaries
From humble beginnings to nine-figure fortunes, the Avengers cast exemplifies how franchise success translates into significant earnings. Their influence now stretches beyond cinema into tech, wellness, fashion, and philanthropy.
As the MCU evolves into Phase 5 and beyond, these actors remain cultural icons. Their salaries are just one piece of the massive puzzle that is the Marvel money machine.
FAQs About Avengers Actor Salaries
1. Who was the highest-paid Avenger?
Robert Downey Jr. earns over $75 million per film in later phases.
2. Did all actors earn the same for Endgame?
No. Core actors like Downey, Hemsworth, and Evans earned over $15–20 million, while others like Ruffalo and Renner earned slightly less.
3. Why was there a pay gap between male and female cast members?
Initially, female leads, such as Scarlett Johansson, were paid less; however, renegotiations, lawsuits, and changing industry dynamics helped close the gap by the late 2010s.
4. Did streaming affect their earnings?
Yes. For example, Johansson’s dispute over the release of Black Widow on Disney+ highlighted revenue-sharing concerns. It resulted in increased transparency and stronger contracts post-2021.
5. How much did Disney spend on Avengers salaries overall?
Estimates suggest over $500 million was spent on cast salaries across Infinity War and Endgame alone.
6. Are Avengers actors still under contract in 2025?
Most original Avengers have exited the franchise, but spinoffs and cameos remain possible. New phases focus on fresh talent, such as Simu Liu (Shang-Chi) and Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova).
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