Dean Norris Net Worth 2025: Breaking Bad & Career

Dean Norris Net Worth (2025): From Breaking Bad To The Big Screen.

Dean Norris, best known for his role as DEA agent Hank Schrader in Breaking Bad, has enjoyed a long and steady career in television and film. With a strong background in theater and a résumé packed with supporting roles in major Hollywood productions, Norris has earned recognition for his compelling screen presence and sharp character work. As of 2025, Dean Norris’s estimated net worth sits in the millions.

His wealth stems from decades of consistent work as a character actor, with key earnings from television roles, film appearances, and even a recent foray into entrepreneurship. A Harvard-educated performer with blue-collar sensibilities, Norris combines critical respect with financial success — a testament to his versatility and staying power in the entertainment industry.

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Dean Norris's Early Life

Dean Joseph Norris was born on April 8, 1963, in South Bend, Indiana, to parents Jack B. Norris, a furniture store owner, and Rosemarie Norris. Raised in a working-class household with five siblings, he attended Clay High School, graduating in 1981 as class valedictorian.

He went on to study at Harvard University, graduating in 1985 with a degree in Social Studies. During his time there, he performed with the Hasty Pudding Theatricals, a well-known comedic theater group. He later attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London to further refine his acting skills, proving his early dedication to mastering his craft.

Norris's unique combination of Ivy League education and working-class roots has helped shape the everyman characters he frequently portrays with realism and depth.

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Dean Norris's Career Journey

Dean Norris began his acting career in the late 1980s, appearing in minor roles in films such as Lethal Weapon 2 (1989) and Total Recall (1990). His "tough guy" persona and strong screen presence quickly earned him a niche in playing law enforcement, military personnel, and gritty blue-collar characters.

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Norris amassed over 100 television credits, including appearances on The X-Files, The West Wing, NYPD Blue, CSI, and 24. While often cast in secondary roles, his consistency and dependability made him a go-to character actor in Hollywood.

His most significant breakthrough came in 2008 when he was cast as Hank Schrader, a no-nonsense DEA agent and Walter White's brother-in-law, in AMC’s Breaking Bad. The role spanned five seasons until 2013 and earned him widespread critical acclaim. Norris’s portrayal of Hank added emotional weight and tension to the series, particularly in its later seasons, and helped cement Breaking Bad as one of the greatest television dramas of all time.

Following Breaking Bad, Norris landed leading roles in shows such as Under the Dome (2013–2015) and Claws (2017–2022), and appeared in films including The Book of Henry (2017) and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019). He also made guest appearances in Better Call Saul, extending the reach of his Breaking Bad legacy.

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Dean Norris's Personal Life

Dean Norris has been married to Bridget Norris, an entertainment attorney, since 2001. The couple has five children and maintains a relatively low public profile. Despite his Hollywood career, Norris has emphasized the importance of family and community in interviews.

He is known for his humorous and outspoken presence on social media, often sharing political opinions and commentary, as well as moments from his everyday life. Outside of acting, Norris has shown interest in local business and philanthropy.

He remains connected to his Indiana roots and is active in charitable efforts, particularly those related to education and youth programs in his hometown.

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Dean Norris's Real Estate

Dean Norris has invested wisely in real estate over the years, focusing on both personal residences and commercial ventures. He owns a home in Temecula, California, valued at an estimated $1.2 million, which offers both privacy and space for his large family.

In 2021, Norris opened Schraderbräu Beer Company, a real-life version of the fictional homebrew beer his character Hank Schrader made on Breaking Bad. The company is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, leveraging the city's iconic connection to the show. This entrepreneurial move expanded Norris’s business profile beyond entertainment and into hospitality and merchandising.

While not an aggressive investor like some of his peers, Norris's real estate holdings and business ventures add notable value to his overall net worth.

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How Rich Is Dean Norris?

As of 2025, Dean Norris’s estimated net worth is $8 million. This figure is the result of decades of work in film and television, steady supporting roles in big-budget movies, and a career-defining role in Breaking Bad.

Unlike some actors who rely on one hit project, Norris has accumulated his wealth through longevity and smart role selection. His income streams include acting salaries, residuals, commercial endorsements, and business profits from Schraderbräu.

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How Did We Calculate His Net Worth?

Dean Norris’s net worth was calculated by aggregating earnings from major television and film projects, supplemented by public real estate records and reports from financial sites such as Celebrity Net Worth, Wealthy Gorilla, and The Richest.

Salaries from Breaking Bad, Under the Dome, and Claws, as well as residuals from reruns and streaming, were considered. Estimates of real estate holdings and business income from his beer brand were also included.

Factoring in over three decades of consistent work, estimated earnings from union scale and above-scale pay, and his recent entrepreneurial activities, the $8 million figure is both realistic and well-supported.

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How Much Does Dean Norris Earn a Year?

Dean Norris earns approximately $500,000 to $1 million per year, depending on his acting schedule and business activity. While his per-episode salary varies, for starring roles on shows like Under the Dome, he reportedly earned $100,000 per episode.

Even in years with fewer acting credits, he continues to receive residuals from Breaking Bad, which remains highly syndicated and streamed globally. Combined with commercial appearances, voice acting work, and profit shares from Schraderbräu, Norris maintains a solid annual income stream.

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What Is Dean Norris's Highest Paying Role?

Dean Norris’s highest paying role remains Hank Schrader in Breaking Bad. Although he started with an estimated salary of $25,000 to $35,000 per episode in early seasons, that number likely increased significantly by the show’s final seasons, possibly up to $75,000 per episode.

With 51 episode appearances, his total base earnings from the series could be estimated between $2 million and $3.5 million, not including residuals or promotional bonuses. The show's immense popularity and cultural impact have ensured long-term financial rewards well beyond its original run.

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How Much Did Dean Norris Earn from Breaking Bad?

Based on available data and industry estimates, Dean Norris likely earned between $2 million and $3.5 million from his time on Breaking Bad, factoring in salary increases per season and syndication royalties.

Though not part of the main producer or creator team, Norris still benefits from the continued popularity of the series, with rerun residuals and merchandise (like the Schraderbräu brand) contributing additional income. His involvement in Better Call Saul and franchise-related appearances have also extended these earnings.

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Conclusion

Dean Norris exemplifies the power of persistence and professionalism in Hollywood. From minor roles in action films to a beloved lead in one of television’s greatest dramas, his journey is one of steady growth and strategic choices. With an estimated $8 million net worth as of 2025, Norris has built a stable financial future while remaining creatively active and personally grounded.

His continued success across acting, business, and family life speaks to a well-rounded legacy. Whether you're a Breaking Bad fan or admire his character actor contributions, Dean Norris proves that consistent work and smart choices are just as rewarding as headline-grabbing stardom.