The shocking amount adult film stars get paid per scene from newcomers to experienced professionals

Adult film stars have spoken out about how much they get paid in the industry and the results are pretty shocking.

While Lana Rhoades has spoken out about the 'pickles' she was paid to film sex scenes after entering the industry for eight months at the age of 19, other actors have revealed the industry has given them financial freedom they don't think they'd have achieved elsewhere.

Many have subsequently been left questioning just how profitable it is to become a performer in an industry which quite literally makes you bear all.

The adult film industry continues to be a divisive topic and not just among those outside of it but also as a result of those within it - many actors who've worked within the world of adult film have come forward in recent years to speak out on their experiences.

Some have spoken out in praise of the industry whereas others are quick to condemn it for the lack of protection and support they received and, of course, the topic of pay has reared its head too.

But how much do adult film stars really get paid for stripping down and performing sex acts on camera?

How much money do adult film stars actually make? (Getty Images/ Michael Mohr)

Well, the owner of one of the biggest adult entertainment studios called Vivid, Steven Hirsch, told CNBC his experience is that girls 'initially [...] make more money' when they first enter the industry because 'they're new' and can 'command additional money for different sex acts' however, their income later depends on 'how popular they become'.

According to CNBC, the average actress in the industry will be paid 'between $800 and $1,000' per 'traditional' sex scene between a man and woman.

Although, if someone new to the industry doesn't have good representation fighting their corner, they could be paid as small a fee as $300, compared to more popular performers who can end up charging a more hefty $1,500 or even $2,000.

There can be a stark difference in pay between performers. (Getty Images/ Sasun Bughdaryan)

If a performer engages in more extreme acts on screen, the rate is higher from around $1,800 to $2,500.

However, this can go even further, with the founder of LA Direct Models Derek Hay telling The Independent he's sometimes seen actors offered between $2,000-$6,000 for a scene filming one of their 'firsts' such as their first scene with three, four or more men.

And the difference of pay can be even more stark when it comes to male performers.

Performers don't always get paid as much as you might think. (Getty Stock Images)

CNBC reports men normally receive $500-600 per scene or even per day. If they're slightly more famous they may get $700-900 and it's only if they're up there with some of the more well-known performers they could get $1,500.

Another adult film star named Valentina Nappi, told VICE she made '$1,140 for a regular hetero scene' when she first moved to the US as she was already 'quite well-known', however, adult film star Luca Ferrero said in Europe, male actors typically make $533 or less per scene.

Although, Franco Roccaforte said he would make around $16,000 a month when he worked in the 90s and now doesn't go 'below around $1,000 per scene'.

Hay added: "I don’t think that adult stars make as much money as the general public perceives them to make.

"I don’t think there’s anybody, even the biggest stars, who are making more than half a million a year, but if some of the top stars are making $300,000-400,000 per year, by most people’s perception that would still be a lot of money I think."