Short answer: The Block contestants are paid very modestly for their time, typically around $100 per day per couple, which translates to roughly $1,400 per week during the filming period. This is separate from any prize money won at auction or other earnings associated with hosting, judging, or foreman roles on the show.

Details and context

• Base payments for contestants: Across multiple seasons, contestants have publicly stated they receive about $100 per day per couple, covering living expenses while filming and taking into account the long weeks away from home. This puts the weekly amount around $1,400 per couple, given a 7-day schedule typical of production weeks.

• Duration and scope: The Block seasons generally run for roughly 12 weeks of on-site renovations and production, meaning the total cash stipend for a couple would be about $16,800 before any bonuses or additional allowances, though exact figures can vary by season and negotiations.

• Prize money and incentives: In addition to the base pay, contestants can win prize money at the auctions (e.g., the highest profit or each individual house sale) which is separate from the daily stipend. Recent finales have highlighted significant winnings for some teams, but two houses often fail to sell or only achieve reserve prices, affecting total payout potential.

• Other show roles and salaries: The show also employs hosts, judges, and foremen whose salaries are publicly reported to be substantially higher than contestants’ stipends. These figures are separate from contestant payments and reflect different roles and contracts within the production.

Notes

• Payment details have varied by year and source, with the most consistent public claim being the $100/day figure for contestants. If you’re after the exact figure for a specific season, I can look up season-by-season reports or statements from contestants and the network for that year.

• Tax treatment: Prize money from the show may have different tax implications than the base stipend; however, prize winnings themselves are often treated differently from regular income. Final tax treatment can depend on jurisdiction and individual circumstances; consult a tax professional for personalized guidance.

If you’d like, specify a season or region and a date range, and the latest reported figures for that season can be summarized.