Here's how much money reality TV stars actually make on shows - it's not what you think

How much money is there to be made by starring on a reality television show?

If you're Ryan Seacrest, Christina Aguilera, or Gordon Ramsay, that number is in the millions and can exceed $10 million per season of a show.

But those kinds of paychecks actually go to very few people. Most people starring on reality shows are making salaries that supplement the ones that they make at their actual jobs, from their businesses, or from other opportunities afforded them by being on TV, such as licensing deals, book contracts, appearances, or food and liquor products.

Shows that air on broadcast television typically pay their talent larger salaries than those found on cable. And, of course, if the talent is also a producer or gets any cut of the profits, that can take in bigger paychecks.

Business Insider spoke to agents, producers, and development executives on the condition of anonymity to get a sense of what reality TV is paying its talent.

See how much reality stars are making below: