As I watch "The Bachelor" Peter Weber wrap up his controversial season (opens in new tab) (spoilers at link), I often ask myself as I watch the episodes over potato chips and a glass of wine. Come with me on this brief survey! (Also, in case you're wondering, the contestants get nothing. Sad trombone sound)

This is in reference to the rumor at the time that Ashley Hebert was only paid $30,000 for her appearance on "The Bachelorette," according to Reality Steve (opens in new tab). Steve called it "laughable" and explained that she earned more than the standard $100,000 on the show (opens in new tab). But according to Amy Kaufman's book, Bachelor Nation (opens in new tab), that was not always the case. The leading players are supposed to get paid for the work they do, apparently. Meredith Phillips, the second-highest paid Bachelor of all time, made about $10,000. According to fellow Bianca Rodriguez (open in new tab), Emily Maynard was rumored to be the highest paid Bachelorette ever at $250,000. So while there is no word on how much Weber earned, it is likely somewhere in that range. According to Glassdoor (opens in new tab), Delta pilots make between $50,000 and $300,000, but he is young, so probably on the low end of that range.

The program also seems to cover the cost of the lead actor's wardrobe, which I imagine is higher for women than men, but the men get a pretty nice suit with this deal. Apparently, they can keep the clothes afterwards. Lovely!

In these days of Instagram fame, advertising (averaging $5,000 per piece, sometimes even more), collaborations, and even brand partnerships can generate significant income. Podcasts (like the one Nick Viall is doing) bring in advertising fees depending on their popularity, and shows like "Dancing with the Stars" (opens in new tab) (Hannah Brown competed in and won this show after appearing on "The Bachelorette") can bring in $125,. 000, plus additional bonuses for winning the competition.

In other words, depending on the personality of the lead actor and his desirability after the show, he can earn a lot of money.

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