Josh Hutcherson Age, Height, and Net Worth: How His ‘Hunger Games’ Earnings Compare to Fellow Cast Members

As an avid observer of Hollywood careers and financial trajectories, I find Josh Hutcherson’s journey to be particularly fascinating. From his early days as a child actor to his breakout role as Peeta Mellark in the globally phenomenon The Hunger Games franchise, his career has been a testament to consistent work and strategic choices.

Today, October 13, 2025, I’m reflecting on his path, noting that just yesterday, October 12th, marked his 33rd birthday. This deep dive into his age, height, net worth, and how his earnings from the dystopian saga stack up against his co-stars offers a compelling look at the economics of stardom.

Josh Hutcherson: At a Glance

Josh Hutcherson’s Net Worth and Evolving Career

Josh Hutcherson has cultivated a substantial career in the entertainment industry, contributing to an estimated net worth of $20 million as of 2025. His financial success is primarily a result of a robust acting career, complemented by ventures into production and strategic real estate investments.

Hutcherson began acting in the early 2000s, quickly landing roles in commercials and minor television appearances. His talent shone through in notable early films such as Little Manhattan and Zathura: A Space Adventure (both 2005), followed by Bridge to Terabithia (2007) and Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008). These roles established him as a prominent young actor, demonstrating a versatile range that hinted at his future potential.

The true turning point in Hutcherson’s career, however, came with his casting as Peeta Mellark in The Hunger Games series in 2011. This role catapulted him to international fame and significantly boosted his earnings, marking a definitive breakthrough from child actor to a globally recognized star.

The Financial Landscape of Panem: Josh Hutcherson’s Hunger Games Earnings

The financial rewards for the cast of The Hunger Games were substantial, though not uniform, reflecting the differing levels of star power and contractual negotiations at the time of their initial signings. For the first film, released in 2012, Josh Hutcherson, along with his lead co-stars, reportedly earned $500,000.

As the franchise grew into a box-office giant, the actors’ salaries naturally increased. While specific figures for every installment can vary across reports, it’s understood that Hutcherson’s pay saw a significant rise. For The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, he and Liam Hemsworth reportedly negotiated for at least $5 million each, surpassing an initial offer of $2 million. Some reports indicate that for Catching Fire and Mockingjay – Part 1 combined, Hutcherson earned around $10 million.

His earnings for the final film, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2, were reportedly $5 million. The immense success of the films allowed for these substantial pay bumps, underscoring the value these actors brought to the franchise.

A Comparative Glance: Josh Hutcherson vs. Fellow Hunger Games Stars

When we compare Josh Hutcherson’s Hunger Games earnings to those of his primary co-stars, Jennifer Lawrence and Liam Hemsworth, a clear hierarchy emerges, influenced largely by pre-existing fame and the prominence of their respective roles.

Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss Everdeen): As the undeniable lead of the franchise, Jennifer Lawrence’s earnings significantly outpaced her male counterparts. While she also received $500,000 for the first film, her subsequent salaries escalated dramatically. She earned $10 million for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and an impressive $20 million each for Mockingjay – Part 1 and Mockingjay – Part 2.

In total, Lawrence accumulated at least $50.5 million from the four films. Her status as an Oscar-nominated actress prior to the franchise’s launch, combined with her critical role as Katniss, provided strong leverage for her escalating pay, contributing to her current estimated net worth of $160 million.

Liam Hemsworth (Gale Hawthorne): Liam Hemsworth, playing Katniss’s other love interest, Gale, started with the same $500,000 for the inaugural film. His earnings, similar to Hutcherson’s, saw increases for subsequent films, with reports suggesting he also earned around $5 million for Mockingjay – Part 2. His total earnings from the franchise are speculated to be comparable to Hutcherson’s. Liam Hemsworth’s net worth is estimated at $25 million as of 2025.

The disparity in earnings highlights a common Hollywood practice where the central protagonist, particularly one with burgeoning star power like Lawrence, commands a significantly higher salary. While Hutcherson and Hemsworth held pivotal roles, Lawrence’s Katniss was the linchpin of the narrative and the face of the franchise, a factor that undoubtedly translated into her commanding pay. Despite these differences, The Hunger Games provided a monumental financial and professional boost for all three lead actors, solidifying their positions in Hollywood.

Beyond the Arena: Josh Hutcherson’s Diverse Projects and Future

Following the conclusion of The Hunger Games series in 2015, Josh Hutcherson has actively sought out diverse roles, showcasing his range and interest in various aspects of filmmaking. He has appeared in a mix of independent films and has even ventured into producing and directing, making his directorial debut with the 2017 short film Ape.

His television work includes a starring role in the Hulu science fiction comedy series Future Man* from 2017 to 2020. He also lent his voice to the lead character, Shinjiro Hayata, in the Netflix anime series *Ultraman* from 2019 to 2023.

More recently, Hutcherson has re-entered the mainstream with commercially successful projects. He starred as Mike Schmidt in the horror film Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023), which was a significant box office success. He reportedly earned $750,000 for this role. This was followed by his appearance in the action film The Beekeeper (2024).

Looking ahead, he is slated for projects such as Long Gone Heroes (2024), Across The River And Into The Trees (2024/2023), and a highly anticipated sequel, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 (2025). These recent and upcoming projects demonstrate his continued relevance and evolving career path in Hollywood, balancing blockbuster appeal with his artistic interests.

Conclusion

Josh Hutcherson’s career trajectory is a compelling narrative of growth, strategic choices, and the profound impact of a career-defining role. From his origins as a child actor to his iconic portrayal of Peeta Mellark, he has consistently built upon his early successes. While his Hunger Games earnings were substantial, placing him firmly in the multi-million dollar bracket, they illustrate the hierarchical nature of Hollywood compensation when compared to his co-star Jennifer Lawrence.

His estimated net worth of $20 million in 2025 reflects not just his acting prowess but also his ventures into producing and a string of recent successful projects. As he celebrates his 33rd birthday, Hutcherson continues to demonstrate a thoughtful approach to his career, ensuring his presence remains felt both on-screen and behind the camera.