There is no reliable public figure establishing what individual Sesame Street performers currently earn. Online salary estimates should not be treated as verified pay: the available sources identify performers and explain general union rate structures, but do not disclose the cast’s contracts or salaries.
What is known about Sesame Street performers’ pay?
Sesame Workshop’s Season 55 press materials name human cast members and puppeteers, but do not give their earnings. The available public information therefore does not support a current salary figure, annual range, or pay ranking for any named performer.
That distinction matters because “Sesame Street stars” can refer to different kinds of work: on-camera performers, puppeteers, and voice performers. General union guidance identifies factors that can affect compensation, but it does not establish what Sesame Street performers negotiated.
How do union rates help explain the uncertainty?
SAG-AFTRA says animation television performer rates are typically structured per episode and vary with program length. The union also states: “All rates quoted are minimums and do not limit the performer’s right to negotiate for better rates, terms, and conditions of employment.” This is general animation guidance, not a disclosure of Sesame Street cast rates. SAG-AFTRA’s animation rate guidance
#1 Best Overall
- ELMO TAKE ALONG BUDDY: Elmo is here as a cuddly plush perfectly sized for adventure This adorable 13” plush features Elmo with embroidered facial details, super-soft bright red plush, and floppy limbs that make him perfect for playtime anywhere
- SOFT & HUGGABLE: This adorable Sesame Street plush toy features surface-washable construction for easy cleaning and is made from a soft, premium material that meets our famous GUND quality standards. Appropriate for ages 1 and up
- GIFT GUND: Our stuffed animals, teddy bears, and sensory toys make timeless birthday and baby shower gifts, home decor, and gifts for every other occasion. Our official Sesame Street collection is crafted for kids, fans and collectors of all ages
- Quality Cuddles: Our plush toys feature timeless designs and durable fabrics that stay soft for years. From cute stuff like baby toys, decor, and playsets to anime merch and more, GUND toys are made to be collected, loved, and cuddled for a lifetime
- Premier Plush: As one of America’s first teddy bear makers, GUND has crafted unique and classic stuffed animals and soft toys for 125 years. Today we proudly carry this legacy and stand by our toys, known worldwide for their quality and innovation
Voiceover work may fall under different SAG-AFTRA agreements, with minimums tailored to the type of work. Applicable terms can also include benefits such as health and retirement contributions, residuals, or other compensation. Those provisions explain why a simple per-episode figure may not describe total compensation, but they do not reveal any individual Sesame Street performer’s pay. SAG-AFTRA voiceover agreement information
Does the reported $625,000 figure refer to a performer?
No. A 1995 Congressional Record passage says Children’s Television Workshop reported a top salary-plus-benefits package totaling about $625,000 in 1992. It describes an organization-level package, not an actor’s or puppeteer’s earnings. The passage separately says payments to PBS stars were unknown. Congressional Record, 1995
Rank #2
- SESAME STREET OSCAR PLUSH: This adorable 10” plush features Oscar the Grouch in his silver trash can home with arms outstretched ready for a hug. Oscar features soft, shaggy green plush, bushy brown eyebrows, and his trash can has a “Go away” sign.
- SOFT & HUGGABLE: This adorable Sesame Street plush toy features surface-washable construction for easy cleaning and is made from a soft, premium material that meets our famous GUND quality standards. Appropriate for ages 1 and up
- GIFT GUND: Our stuffed animals, teddy bears, and sensory toys make timeless birthday and baby shower gifts, home decor, and gifts for every other occasion. Our official Sesame Street plushies are crafted for kids, fans and collectors of all ages
- Quality Cuddles: Our plush toys feature timeless designs and durable fabrics that stay soft for years. From cute stuff like baby toys, decor, and playsets to anime merch and more, GUND toys are made to be collected, loved, and cuddled for a lifetime
- Premier Plush: As one of America’s first teddy bear makers, GUND has crafted unique and classic stuffed animals and soft toys for 125 years. Today we proudly carry this legacy and stand by our toys, known worldwide for their quality and innovation
Are published Sesame Workshop contract figures actor salaries?
No. The published 2024 WGA–Sesame Workshop rates are minimums for writers’ scripts, not compensation for actors, puppeteers, or voice performers. They cannot be used to estimate cast salaries. 2024 WGA–Sesame Workshop rates
Quick Recap
Best Value
- This product has polybag packaging that may reveal what's inside and cannot be hidden.
- Includes: Bert and Ernie plush toys.
- Take-Along Sesame Street Friends: The Sesame Street Friends Plush Bundle features Bert and Ernie characters as small, 8-inch plush toys that are perfect for kids to take anywhere.
- Cuddly Plush Pals: The Sesame Street Friends Plush Bert and Ernie stuffed toys are made entirely of soft, huggable fabrics and 100% recycled fill. Awesome for anytime snuggles!
- Inspires Imaginative Play: Preschoolers will love making up stories and Sesame Street adventures with this lovable pair.
Rank #4
- This product has polybag packaging that may reveal what's inside and cannot be hidden.
- Includes: Cookie Monster, Big Bird, and Oscar plush toys.
- Three Iconic Characters: The Sesame Street Friends Plush Bundle includes Cookie Monster, Big Bird, and Oscar the Grouch, three classic Sesame Street characters that kids know and love, making them perfect companions for playtime.
- Soft and Sustainable Materials: Each plushie is made from soft fabrics, with 100% recycled polyester filling, ensuring they're not only cuddly and huggable but also eco-friendly.
- Ideal for Adventures: These plush toys stand about 8 inches tall, a great size for kids to carry around, whether they're heading to the playground or going on a family trip.
Rank #3
- SESAME STREET ABBY CADABBY PLUSH: This adorable plush features Abby with sheer iridescent wings and her signature sky-blue dress, holding a yellow flower with a smile. She also features soft pink plush and her bright pink and purple hair in pigtails
- SOFT & HUGGABLE: This adorable Sesame Street plush toy features surface-washable construction for easy cleaning and is made from a soft, premium material that meets our famous GUND quality standards. Appropriate for ages 1 and up
- GIFT GUND: Our stuffed animals, teddy bears, and sensory toys make timeless birthday and baby shower gifts, home decor, and gifts for every other occasion. Our official Sesame Street collection is crafted for kids, fans and collectors of all ages
- Quality Cuddles: Our plush toys feature timeless designs and durable fabrics that stay soft for years. From cute stuff like baby toys, decor, and playsets to anime merch and more, GUND toys are made to be collected, loved, and cuddled for a lifetime
- Premier Plush: As one of America’s first teddy bear makers, GUND has crafted unique and classic stuffed animals and soft toys for 125 years. Today we proudly carry this legacy and stand by our toys, known worldwide for their quality and innovation
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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