Big Brother housemates reveals how much they get paid (Hint: Not a lot...)

Frankly, no amount of money would be enough to convince most Australians to go and live in the Channel Nine Big Brother house.

Over-confident 20-somethings fighting over breakfast cereal may occasionally make for okay light entertainment, but living in the house would be another story.

However for those who do compete, it’s a huge opportunity and also a chance to earn a bit of cash – or at least – enough cash to get by.

As well as the possibility of prizes, sponsorships, and potential careers in the media ranging from impressive (like radio personality Chrissie Swan, who is a 2003 BB alum) to awful (remember that ‘Hotdogs’ guy? From 2005? Who went on to host an awful TV show? Neither do we…) an ‘insider’ has revealed to news.com.au that yes, the contestants do get a bit of compensation.

$75 a day, to be precise.

$75 per day = $525 per week = $2325 per month.

According to ex-contestant Joel Scalzi, that’s plenty.

“$500 a week for doing not much … sure I thought that was enough,” said Joel, who lasted 92 days in the house in 2007 and therefore earned about $6900 (thanks, calculator).

“The money more than covered my bills and my rent while I was on the show … plus I won a $7,000 bonus (from one of the sponsors for lasting so long in the house) and a car worth $20,000.

“It was definitely worthwhile.”

Hmmmm. That’s a judgement call, Joel.

Big Brother screens on Channel Nine, six nights a week.