Patrick Dempsey vs. Ellen Pompeo: Who Got Paid More on Grey’s Anatomy?

Patrick Dempsey vs. Ellen Pompeo: Who Got Paid More on Grey’s Anatomy?

Patrick Dempsey’s Pay Was Higher Than Ellen Pompeo’s Early On

When Grey's Anatomy debuted in 2005, Patrick Dempsey, who portrayed Dr. Derek Shepherd (aka McDreamy), was already a well-known actor with a longer Hollywood resume. Ellen Pompeo, who landed the lead role of Dr. Meredith Grey, was relatively new to the industry. Because of Dempsey’s higher profile at the time, he initially earned more than Pompeo.

The Early Pay Gap: Dempsey Earned More Than Pompeo

When Grey's Anatomy premiered, Patrick Dempsey’s salary was $350,000 per episode, while Ellen Pompeo was making around $200,000 per episode. Dempsey’s prior experience and established status contributed to the pay discrepancy, which was common in the industry at the time.

Pompeo herself addressed this pay gap in various interviews, explaining that Dempsey’s star power put him in a better bargaining position. "He was a huge TV star with a long career, and I was just starting out," Pompeo said in a 2018 interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

Pompeo Eventually Became the Top Earner

As Grey's Anatomy grew in popularity and Pompeo’s role as the titular character became the heart of the show, her value increased. After Dempsey’s exit from the show in 2015, Pompeo renegotiated her contract and eventually became the highest-paid actress on TV.

By 2017, Pompeo was earning around $575,000 per episode, with her total annual earnings reaching $20 million, thanks to acting, producing, and backend deals. Dempsey, by comparison, never reached those salary heights while on Grey's Anatomy.

Related: Ellen Pompeo's Salary Negotiations: The Truth Behind Her Pay on Grey's Anatomy

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Patrick Dempsey’s Career Before and After Grey’s Anatomy

Before Grey’s Anatomy

Patrick Dempsey had a successful career before landing the role of McDreamy. He was a teen heartthrob in the late 1980s, starring in popular romantic comedies like:

• Can’t Buy Me Love (1987)

• Loverboy (1989)

• Mobsters (1991)

During Grey’s Anatomy

While starring in Grey’s Anatomy, Dempsey also explored other roles, including:

• Enchanted (2007)

• Made of Honor (2008)

• Voice work in Brother Bear 2 (2006)

After Grey’s Anatomy

Following his departure from Grey’s Anatomy in Season 11, Dempsey transitioned into other projects:

• Bridget Jones's Baby (2016)

• Devils (2020–2022), where he played a powerful investment banker

• A return to the Enchanted universe with Disenchanted (2022)

Dempsey also focused on his passion for motorsports, competing in numerous professional races and owning a racing team.

Why Was There a Pay Gap?

The pay gap between Dempsey and Pompeo stemmed from Hollywood’s long-standing tradition of prioritizing established male actors over lesser-known female leads. Despite Pompeo being the lead character, it took several seasons of success before she gained the negotiating power to demand equal — and eventually higher — pay.

Conclusion: Pompeo Fought for Fair Pay

While Patrick Dempsey initially earned more than Ellen Pompeo due to his star status, Pompeo ultimately fought for and secured fair compensation, becoming one of TV's highest-paid stars. Her efforts to close the pay gap set an example for women in Hollywood and beyond.