What your TV favs would earn in the real world

By Meg Donohue
CareerBuilder.com

Adjust font size:

(CareerBuilder.com) -- Ever notice how most TV characters dress in upscale duds and live in either gorgeous Manhattan apartments or shiny suburban McMansions?

Do money trees grow in the evergreen yards of Wisteria Lane, or do those perfectly-coiffed prima donnas actually earn enough to support their luxe lifestyles?

And, though we don't see much of the personal lives of characters on shows like "Cold Case" and "Law & Order," one can't help but wonder how well those hard-working public servants are compensated for keeping the streets safe.

Here's a look at the salaries that some of your favorite TV characters would be making if they worked in the real world:

Pam Beesly, "The Office"

Receptionist

Real-life median salary: $23,120, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Although Pam is the object of her co-workers' affections, she can rest assured that the men who love her aren't gold diggers. Luckily, she lives in a small Pennsylvania town where her petite paycheck stretches a bit further than it would if she lived in, say, Manhattan.

Denny Crane, "Boston Legal"

Partner, Law Firm

Real-life median salary: $210,000, according to CBSalary.com

Denny's eccentric habits don't put a dent in his income, which, as the founding partner of his law firm, is likely quite substantial. With an enlarged ego to match his puffed up paycheck, Denny spends his money on cigars, scotch and women.

Betty Suarez, "Ugly Betty"

Executive Assistant

Real-life median salary: $37,810, according to the BLS

As an assistant in a notoriously low-paying media niche (fashion magazines), it's possible that Betty is taking home much less than the average salary for assistants. These fashion editorial positions do often come with perks like clothing allowances, but it's clear Betty prefers ponchos to Prada.

Lynette Scavo, "Desperate Housewives"

Advertising Executive

Real-life median salary: $50,000, according to Payscale.com

Lynette has a lot of work experience under her belt, so it's likely she makes more than the national median for advertising executives. But does she make enough to pay for a large Wisteria Lane home, four children and a husband who'd like to open a pizza parlor? Far less likely.

Dr. Meredith Grey, "Grey's Anatomy"

Surgical Resident

Real-life median salary: $37,000, according to an American Medical Association report

As one of the rare medical residents with free board (she lives in her mother's house), Meredith doesn't appear to have a lot of expenses beyond her ever-expanding tab at the local dive bar. And, with (possible) medical school loans to repay, that's a seriously good thing.

Jim, "According to Jim"

Owner, Construction Company

Real-life median salary: $73,000 for a construction project manager, according to CBSalary.com

As a business owner, Jim probably earns upward of the median salary for a construction project manager. Though he works hard, he gets the pleasure of being his own boss, and can crack jokes all the way to the bank.

Detective Lilly Rush, "Cold Case"

Police Detective

Real-life median salary: $44,000, according to CBSalary.com

As a Philly homicide detective, Lilly's salary doesn't allow much room for luxuries. But then again, since Lilly's virtual travels take her only to the past (exploring long-unsolved crimes), she can afford to pack lightly.

Arthur Branch, "Law & Order"

District Attorney

Real-life salary: The current New York County District Attorney makes $150,000 per year, according to New York magazine.

Arthur Branch has the final say on "Law & Order," and his six-figure salary means that he can afford to go out to a five-star meal at the end of a long day at the courthouse. But could he afford to own property in a city where the average price of an apartment is over $1 million? That's another story entirely.

Lorelai Gilmore, "Gilmore Girls"

Inn Owner

Real-life median salary: $47,420 for a lodging manager, according to the BLS

It's tough to guess the income of an inn owner in a fictional town, but the annual median salary for a lodging manager gives us a starting point for imagining Lorelai's paycheck. Since she doesn't pay for her daughter Rory's college tuition (Rory's newly rich dad covered that), most of Lorelai's income appears to fuel her caffeine addiction.

Meg Donohue is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

Tools:
Save |
Print |
E-mail |
Most Popular |

Next story in U.S.

U.S.

Get up-to-the minute news from CNN

CNN.com gives you the latest stories and video from the around the world, with in-depth coverage of U.S. news, politics, entertainment, health, crime, tech and more.