Adult film star Riley Reid has shared rare insight into how performers negotiate pay in the adult entertainment industry. Speaking on the Itsdanielmac podcast, she discussed the business side of her work, including how much she earned for specific scenes.

Payment in the Adult Industry Varies Widely

Reid explained that rates depend heavily on the type of scene being filmed. More physically demanding or more intense scenes typically pay higher fees. Performers are often compensated thousands of dollars for work that will remain online permanently, which has led many former actors to question whether the pay truly reflects the long-term exposure.

She noted that newcomers sometimes receive higher pay for “first-time” scenes, which studios consider more marketable.

What Top Performers Can Earn

According to Reid, rates for major scenes can range from $10,000 to $20,000, depending on the performer and the content. Feature films can pay even more.

“When I did my first major scene, I received $15,000,” she said. She also negotiated an additional benefit: permission to release her own version of the scene on her personal website so she could earn from it independently.

Adjusting Rates to Protect Herself

Reid explained that she adjusted her fees depending on how much she was filming. To avoid overworking herself, she kept her rate higher—often between $5,000 and $10,000—and negotiated based on her schedule and comfort level.

Women Earn More Than Men

She also highlighted a long-known imbalance in the industry: male performers often earn significantly less. Some beginners receive only $100 per scene or even work for free to build a portfolio.

Reid’s comments underscore how complex and inconsistent adult-industry pay can be—and how important it is for performers to advocate for themselves.