Summer House‘s West Wilson explained the pay grades within the cast and how he makes the majority of his money.
During an episode of the Trading Secrets podcast, West revealed the diversity of his income stream. He makes “way more” money in brand partnerships than he does for appearing on Bravo TV‘s popular show.
Summer House salaries:
“I do think it is tenure. If they have it in their contract that it’s just gradual. Then it is that,” explained West.
“It’s not like Paige [DeSorbo] needs to make an extra $2,000 an episode.” The model/influencer has been on the show since season 3 and co-hosts the Giggly Squad podcast. (Not sure why that means Paige doesn’t “need to make” an extra $2k an episode, but ok.)
West continued, “I know that the people who have been there from the beginning certainly make way more than Jesse [Solomon] and I do. (Both Jesse and West were cast for the show’s eighth season.) I was under the impression that it was just linear.”
West’s wallet:
The Summer House star is also the sports social and editorial producer at Complex Networks. Working for the popular online news outlet includes assignments like covering the Super Bowl and the latest trends in sneakers and fashion.
“Complex has been so dope in the way that they’ve handled it. Flexible with me,” he said before revealing, “I’m part-time with Complex now. If I have a busy week, they don’t ride my *ss crazy,” he shared. “Work together when we can.”
Prior to Complex, West worked for Bleacher Report, another news outlet dedicated to sports news. “It’s good in your 20s. I think at BR, I ended, I was probably making $90,000 at the end,” he recalled, noting that included the “bonuses we made for being on camera.” West was laid off from the company shortly before he joined the cast of Summer House — but was given six months’ severance.
West was offered his current job at Complex in the summer of 2023. He started the “Wednesday after we wrapped filming” season 8 of the Bravo show.
‘Influencer’ income:
“I’m assuming at this point you’re probably making more in brand opportunities than you are at your current job,” podcast host Jason Tartick said on Monday, to which Wilson replied, “Oh, yeah.”
Wilson shared that while his brand opportunities, like paid partnerships and doing product promotions, are higher paying, Complex is aware of his side hustles.
While Wilson does make money from Summer House he told listeners he doesn’t like to rely on that for his main income. “I think it’s very important, maybe not to everyone, but for me, to keep a job outside of the show to keep you grounded in real life.”
