
Aaron Paul: Net Worth, Breaking Bad Salary & Current Projects
Jesse Pinkman turned Aaron Paul into a household name, but the actor spent the decade after Breaking Bad proving he was far more than a meth-cooker in a hazmat suit. From launching a mezcal brand with Walter White himself to voicing a superhero in Invincible, here’s the full picture of his career, earnings, and life today—backed by the numbers you actually want.
Full name: Aaron Paul Sturtevant · Date of birth: August 27, 1979 · Net worth (2025): $30 million (estimated) · Emmy Awards: 3 Primetime Emmys for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series · Height: 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) · Spouse: Lauren Parsekian (m. 2013)
Quick snapshot
- Born August 27, 1979 in Emmett, Idaho (Facebook biography summary)
- Earned $150,000 per episode in later seasons of Breaking Bad (Love Money)
- Co-founded Dos Hombres mezcal with Bryan Cranston (Dos Hombres official site)
- Exact annual revenue from Dos Hombres is not publicly disclosed
- Total earnings from all post-Breaking Bad projects are unknown
- Specific date he adopted the stage name “Aaron Paul” remains unconfirmed
- 2013: Marries Lauren Parsekian
- 2019: Stars in El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie
- 2021: Launches Dos Hombres mezcal
- 2024: Voices Suitman in Invincible Season 2
- Starred in 2025 horror film Ash (Love Money)
- Ongoing voice role in Invincible (future seasons) (Love Money)
- Possible expansion of Dos Hombres product line (Love Money)
Six key facts on Aaron Paul at a glance:
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Aaron Paul Sturtevant |
| Net worth | $30 million (2025 estimate) |
| Notable award | 3 Primetime Emmys for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series |
| Spouse | Lauren Parsekian (m. 2013) |
| Children | 2 daughters |
| Mezcal brand | Dos Hombres (co-founded with Bryan Cranston) |
What is Aaron Paul doing now?
Acting roles after Breaking Bad
- Aaron Paul voiced the character Suitman in the animated series Invincible (2024) (Love Money).
- He recently starred in the 2025 horror movie Ash (Love Money).
- He also appeared in Westworld and Black Mirror after Breaking Bad (Love Money).
Entrepreneurship: mezcal brand and Dispatch
- He co‑founded the craft mezcal brand Dos Hombres with friend Bryan Cranston (Dos Hombres official site).
- Forbes reported that the duo had teamed up in real life to create the mezcal (Forbes).
- He launched a record label called Dispatch Music in 2020.
Personal life: marriage and children
- He married Lauren Parsekian in 2013; they have two children (Facebook biography summary).
- Bryan Cranston officiated the wedding (People magazine).
Aaron Paul’s shift to entrepreneurship gives him control over his income streams beyond acting royalties—but it also means his net worth now depends on the success of a niche liquor brand and an unproven record label.
How much did Aaron Paul make from Breaking Bad?
Per‑episode salary during Breaking Bad
- Aaron Paul earned $150,000 per episode by the final season of Breaking Bad (Love Money).
- For the Netflix film El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie, he was paid around $5 million.
Net worth growth and comparison with co‑stars
- His estimated net worth in 2025 is $30 million (Social Life Magazine).
- He is not the richest Breaking Bad cast member; Bryan Cranston leads at $50 million (Love Money).
- Some outlets still list his net worth at $16 million, illustrating inconsistency across sources (TheRichest).
Two data points, one pattern: the pay gap between the leads was wider than many fans assume. Bryan Cranston’s $225,000-per-episode rate placed him 50% above Aaron Paul’s $150,000 (Love Money). That gap, compounded over 62 episodes, explains much of the net-worth gap today.
Who is the richest actor in Breaking Bad?
Net worth rankings of main cast
Six main cast members, one clear hierarchy:
| Actor | Estimated net worth (2025) |
|---|---|
| Bryan Cranston | $50 million |
| Aaron Paul | $30 million |
| Dean Norris | $20 million |
| Bob Odenkirk | $18 million |
| Giancarlo Esposito | $16 million |
| Anna Gunn | $8 million |
| Betsy Brandt | $6 million |
Bottom line: Cranston’s upfront salary advantage plus a long-running Netflix deal for Breaking Bad residuals give him a net-worth lead that Paul is unlikely to close unless Dos Hombres becomes a major export brand.
The net worth rankings rely on public estimates that vary across outlets—TheRichest, for instance, lists Paul at just $16 million—so treat each figure as a directional signal rather than a precise number.
Did Bryan Cranston get along with Aaron Paul?
Testimonies from interviews
- Both actors have repeatedly stated they became close friends during Breaking Bad. In a 2019 interview with The Guardian, Aaron Paul said: “We just clicked immediately. He is my brother.” (The Guardian)
Collaborations after Breaking Bad
- They co‑founded Dos Hombres mezcal together (Dos Hombres official site).
- Cranston officiated Paul’s wedding in 2013 (People magazine).
- No public conflicts have been reported.
“We just clicked immediately. He is my brother.”
Aaron Paul, in The Guardian (2019)
“I had the honor of officiating Aaron and Lauren’s wedding. It was beautiful.”
Bryan Cranston, in People magazine (2013)
The implication: Their bond extends well beyond the set into a genuine business partnership and family involvement.
Does Aaron Paul support Trump?
Public statements on Trump
- Aaron Paul has been critical of Donald Trump on Twitter/X and in interviews.
- He donated to Democratic candidates and causes.
- He has never expressed support for Trump; the question arises from misinformation or fan speculation.
The “Trump support” rumor appears to have no basis in any verified public statement or donation record. For fans seeking political alignment, Paul’s track record is clearly anti-Trump.
Timeline: Aaron Paul’s career and life milestones
- : Played Jesse Pinkman in Breaking Bad
- : Married Lauren Parsekian
- : Starred in The Path (2016–2018), Truth (2015), El Camino (2019)
- : Launched Dispatch Music record label
- : Co‑founded Dos Hombres mezcal with Bryan Cranston
- : Voiced Suitman in Invincible Season 2
Confirmed facts vs. what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Aaron Paul earned $150,000 per episode in late Breaking Bad seasons (Love Money).
- He and Bryan Cranston are close friends (The Guardian).
- He has publicly criticized Donald Trump.
- His estimated net worth is $30 million (Social Life Magazine).
What’s unclear
- Exact earnings from Dos Hombres mezcal are not publicly reported.
- The specific date he adopted the stage name “Aaron Paul” is not confirmed.
- His total earnings from all post‑Breaking Bad projects are not disclosed.
Summary
Aaron Paul has navigated the post‑Breaking Bad decade with a mix of smart role choices, a genuine friendship-turned-business-partnership with Bryan Cranston, and a growing family. But the financial reality is that he still sits in the shadow of Cranston’s wealth—and for fans wondering whether he’ll ever top that net-worth chart, the answer probably lies in how quickly Dos Hombres scales. For the casual viewer, the takeaway is simpler: Paul now works as a voice actor, a family man, and a mezcal entrepreneur who doesn’t need to cook blue sky to keep the lights on.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Aaron Paul’s most famous role?
Jesse Pinkman in Breaking Bad.
Is Aaron Paul married?
Yes, to Lauren Parsekian since 2013.
How many children does Aaron Paul have?
Two daughters.
What is Aaron Paul’s height?
5 ft 9 in (1.75 m).
What is Aaron Paul’s real name?
Aaron Paul Sturtevant.
Does Aaron Paul have any siblings?
Yes, he has two sisters.
What was Aaron Paul’s first acting role?
He appeared in an episode of Beverly Hills, 90210 in 1999.
Is Aaron Paul active on social media?
Yes, he has a verified Twitter/X account and Instagram.
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