Gaten Matarazzo Net Worth

What Is Gaten Matarazzo’s Net Worth?

As of 2025, Gaten Matarazzo’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million. This valuation is primarily attributed to his successful acting career, particularly his role in the Netflix hit series “Stranger Things.” His earnings also include income from other television appearances, theater performances, and endorsements.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Gaetano John Matarazzo III, born on September 8, 2002, in Connecticut, began his journey into the world of acting at a young age. Raised in Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, where his grandparents operated Matarazzo’s, a local pizzeria and ice cream parlor, Gaten’s early life was immersed in a family-oriented environment. He attended Pinelands Regional High School in Tuckerton, New Jersey, and also honed his vocal talents at the Starlight Performing Arts Center.

At the age of nine, in 2011, Gaten participated in the Starpower Talent Competition Nationals in Uncasville, Connecticut, where he showcased his vocal abilities with a solo performance of “White Boy Summer,” securing third place. His formal acting career began with Broadway roles. In 2011, he landed a role in “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” at the Palace Theatre, followed by “Les Miserables” at the Imperial Theatre in 2014. These early performances provided him with foundational experience in professional acting.

“Stranger Things” Salary and Earnings

Gaten Matarazzo’s role as Dustin Henderson in “Stranger Things” significantly boosted his net worth. Initially, during the first season, the child actors, including Gaten, earned $10,000 per episode, which totaled $80,000 for the entire season. In the second season, his salary increased to $30,000 per episode.

A major turning point in his earnings came with the third season. In March 2018, it was revealed that Gaten’s salary had been significantly increased to $250,000 per episode. With eight episodes in the third season, his total earnings amounted to $2 million before taxes and fees. For the fourth season, which consisted of nine episodes, Gaten was paid $2.25 million.

In summary, his earnings from “Stranger Things” alone are estimated as follows:

Season 1: $80,000
Season 2: Approximately $270,000 (9 episodes x $30,000)
Season 3: $2,000,000 (8 episodes x $250,000)
Season 4: $2,250,000 (9 episodes x $250,000)

These figures demonstrate the significant impact of “Stranger Things” on Gaten Matarazzo’s net worth, particularly from the third season onwards. The show’s global success and his integral role as Dustin Henderson led to substantial increases in his per-episode salary.

Other Television and Film Appearances

In addition to his role in “Stranger Things,” Gaten has made several other television and film appearances. He has appeared as himself on various reality and game shows alongside the cast of “Stranger Things,” including “Ridiculousness,” “Lip Sync Battles,” “Drop the Mic,” and “Prank Encounters.” In 2021, he appeared on an episode of “Nickelodeon’s Unfiltered.”

His involvement in music videos has also added to his exposure and income. In 2017, he appeared in music videos for Katy Perry and the band Computer Games, and in 2020, he was featured in Green Day’s music video, “Meet Me On The Roof.” These appearances, while not as financially impactful as his role in “Stranger Things,” have contributed to his overall earnings and public profile.

His earnings from these ventures are difficult to specify with exact figures due to the varying nature of appearance fees and contract terms. However, these projects typically contribute several thousands of dollars per appearance or project.

Theater Roles

Gaten Matarazzo’s passion for theater has led to several notable roles. In 2018, he played Jean-Michael in the Pinelands Regional Thespians’ production of “Cinderella.” In 2019, he took on the role of Jack in “Into the Woods,” performed at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.

While these theatrical performances may not offer the same level of financial compensation as television and film roles, they provide valuable experience and exposure. Compensation for theater roles can vary widely, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per performance, depending on the venue, production scale, and role significance. For “Into the Woods” at the Hollywood Bowl, which is a high-profile venue, Gaten’s earnings could have been in the range of $5,000 to $15,000 per performance.

Philanthropic Efforts

Gaten Matarazzo’s involvement in philanthropy, particularly his advocacy for cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), has significantly raised awareness and funds for related causes. Gaten himself has CCD, a condition affecting the development of bones and teeth. He has been very public about his experience, and his character in “Stranger Things” was also modified to have the condition, which has dramatically increased public awareness.

Matarazzo actively fundraises for CCD Smiles, an organization that helps cover the costs of oral surgeries for individuals with CCD. He uses his social media platforms to promote CCD Smiles and various fundraising events. In 2021, he participated in an hour-long charity event streamed on “The Tonight Show’s” Twitch account, which raised money for Feeding America. Other celebrities who participated included Jimmy Fallon, Questlove, Kirk Douglas, Corpse Husband, and his “Stranger Things” co-star, Noah Schnapp.

While these philanthropic activities do not directly contribute to his net worth, they enhance his public image and may indirectly lead to other opportunities and endorsements.

Real Estate and Assets

Details regarding Gaten Matarazzo’s real estate assets are not publicly available. Information about specific properties he may own, including addresses or property names, is not disclosed in public sources. However, it is typical for actors with a net worth in the millions to invest in real estate. Potential investments could include residential properties in New Jersey or Los Angeles, given his upbringing and professional activities in those areas.

Without specific information, it is challenging to estimate the value of his real estate holdings. A conservative estimate for real estate investments could range from $500,000 to $1,500,000, depending on the properties’ location, size, and amenities.

Automobile Collection

Details regarding Gaten Matarazzo’s car collection are not publicly available. Information about specific car he may own, model and name, is not disclosed in public sources. However, it is typical for actors to invest in luxury cars. Potential investments could include sport cars.

Personal Life and Habits

Gaten Matarazzo has been in a relationship with Lizzy Yu since March 2018. The couple frequently shares pictures on their social media accounts, offering glimpses into their life together. While specific details about his daily routines and personal habits are not widely publicized, it is known that he balances his acting career with his personal life and philanthropic endeavors.

Net Worth Milestones

While precise year-by-year income details are not publicly available, key milestones in Gaten Matarazzo’s net worth can be identified based on his career progression:

2016 (Season 1 of “Stranger Things”): Net worth began to grow, with initial earnings of $80,000.
2017-2018 (Season 2 of “Stranger Things”): Continued growth, with earnings around $270,000.
2019 (Season 3 of “Stranger Things”): Significant increase, with earnings reaching $2 million.
2022 (Season 4 of “Stranger Things”): Further growth, with earnings of $2.25 million.

These milestones highlight the pivotal role of “Stranger Things” in shaping Gaten Matarazzo’s financial success and net worth. His increased per-episode salary from season three onwards substantially boosted his earnings.