We’ve heard countless horror stories about how little MAFS contestants are paid but what about the experts?
2026 marks the sixth year John Aiken, Mel Schilling and Alessandra Rampolla return to lead the hit social experiment.
But, if you’re wondering how much they take home at the end of each season, we’ve done a little investigating.
How much are the MAFS experts paid?
Whilst it’s unclear just how much the trio are paid today, a well-placed insider told New Idea in 2020 that the experts were paid $50,000 each for the whole series and they felt underpaid.
“With the success of the series they have had salary increases, but their involvement in the show is not huge and [it] is produced within an inch of its life,” the source spilled at the time.
What with inflation and the growing success of the show, we have a feeling they could be on a little bit more these days.
However away from the show, one of the experts is certainly bringing home the bacon.
As per the Daily Mail in 2020, John Aiken charged couples $15,000 for a three day ‘rescue your relationship’ retreat, located in Sydney; that’s $625 per hour for a 9am to 5pm programme.
What about the contestants?
Meanwhile the brides and grooms are (unsurprisingly) paid a little less.
According to The Daily Telegraph, the 2024 brides and grooms were paid $150 a day and given a $125 food allowance.
However 2023 groom Jesse Burford, who was paired with Claire Normahas, revealed during an Instagram Q&A that he was paid “$1,175 each week”.
Since filming takes around three months and the contestants have to leave their jobs to participate, this is to cover expenses including rent and food.
What have the experts said about MAFS 2026?
The experts have their work cut out for them this season with Alessandra telling Who that they “don’t really get much of a break on the drama.”
“An explosion to the left, an explosion to the right, there’s a backdrop explosion at the same time. How do the cameras get it all – it’s crazy,” she added.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
