You might think the talk show host is the highest earner on set—but that’s not always true. In many cases, sidekicks, announcers, or bandleaders are making serious money behind the scenes—and sometimes earn more than the host themselves. Salary disclosures are rare, but what’s known about sidekicks’ compensation shows a surprising pay dynamic. If you’ve ever wondered whether the sidekick might be cashing bigger checks than the host, these nine personalities might just prove it. Let’s peel back the curtain on talk show sidekicks’ salary secrets.
1. Andy Richter (Conan O’Brien)
