Mariska Hargitay Earns Nearly $850,000 Per SVU Episode

On November 12, Mariska Hargitay’s reported pay for Law & Order: SVU was put at nearly $850,000 per episode. She stars as Olivia Benson and has also been an executive producer since the show’s 15th season. The series is now in its 28th season and has reached episode 600.

Hargitay has played Benson since the NBC drama began in 1999. She became its leading star after Christopher Meloni left in 2011. The cast and crew gathered for a dinner to celebrate the milestone, with Meloni and creator Dick Wolf among those attending.

Hargitay described the event as unexpectedly meaningful and said the show’s longevity had surpassed what its cast and crew once imagined. She also said the 600th episode centers on a woman’s voice and power, a subject she considers important because many women can relate to it.

The actor has considered leaving the series, but said in October that she was not ready to do so and was open to departing much later. She said she remains fulfilled by her work on SVU while also wanting to pursue other challenges.

The drama airs on NBC. Hargitay has won an Emmy for playing Benson.