Jimmy Kimmel reveals his Oscars paycheck — and it’s pretty surprising

YOU won’t believe how much money Jimmy Kimmel will earn as the 2017 Oscars host. HINT: It’s not that much.

Jimmy Kimmel has revealed how much he’ll pocket for hosting the Oscars — and it may surprise you.

A WORD of advice for future Oscars hosts: don’t do it for the money.

As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, upcoming host Jimmy Kimmel has spilt the beans to a US radio show on what the gig actually pays.

The comedian revealed he’ll receive just $US15,000 (around $A20,000) to anchor the film industry’s biggest awards show.

It may seem like a paltry amount, but turns out it’s in keeping with the general pay range.

USA Today has estimated that hosts traditionally receive between $US15,000-$25,000 for the one-night gig.

Even Kimmel poked fun at the paycheck: “You know why? I think it’s illegal to pay nothing.”

When the radio hosts pressed him on whether this figure was on par with past MCs like Chris Rock and Billy Crystal, Kimmel replied: “That’s what they told me!”

It’s likely Chris Rock earned the same amount when he hosted this year.

He did, however, muse on whether returning hosts received a bonus.

“I’m not sure I was supposed to reveal all this ... but nobody told me not to. I consider this their fault,” he joked.

The Jimmy Kimmel Live! host has remained self-deprecating about his selection for the prestigious role since it was announced this month — which was fairly late by usual standards.

“They asked like 14 people and they all said no and then there was me,” he laughed about the late invitation. “I absolutely was surprised.”

The 89th Academy Awards show will air on February 26, 2017.

Originally published as Jimmy Kimmel reveals his Oscars paycheck — and it’s pretty surprising