Ryan McCartan’s Net Worth: How Versatility in Entertainment Built His Wealth

Ryan McCartan’s net worth is a reflection of his talent, adaptability, and persistence in an industry where staying relevant requires more than just a single breakout role. As an actor, singer, and stage performer, McCartan has carved a niche that spans television, Broadway, digital platforms, and the music industry. While he may not be a household name in the way of Hollywood A-listers, his multifaceted career has built a solid foundation of financial success that many young entertainers aspire to replicate.

If you know Ryan McCartan as the charming Diggie on Disney Channel’s Liv and Maddie, you’ve only seen one side of his career. His journey includes leading roles in musicals like Heathers, solo music ventures, appearances in TV series and movies, and starring turns on the Broadway stage. All of these roles, over time, have contributed to building a net worth that continues to grow as he diversifies his professional portfolio.

Early Television Success: Disney Channel and Breakout Roles

Like many actors who got their start on Disney Channel, Ryan McCartan first gained national attention through family-friendly programming. His role as Diggie Smalls on Liv and Maddie (2013–2017) introduced him to millions of viewers. The show ran for four seasons and was part of Disney’s successful lineup during that period, which helped its stars build large and loyal fan bases.

During his time on the show, McCartan would have earned a solid income for a young actor. While specific salaries for Disney Channel stars are rarely public, typical pay for lead or recurring roles can range from $10,000 to $15,000 per episode. With Liv and Maddie featuring over 80 episodes, even a recurring character like Diggie would have accumulated substantial earnings over multiple seasons, especially with royalties and syndication deals now generating additional passive income through streaming platforms.

Beyond the paycheck, his Disney role launched his image as a young talent with musical skills and comedic timing—attributes that would serve him well in future projects. His early exposure on a global platform built the brand awareness necessary for his future endeavors, from theater to music to digital content creation.

Stage Stardom: From Heathers to Broadway

While many Disney stars gravitate toward film or pop music, Ryan McCartan embraced the theater world with open arms. His breakout theatrical role came in 2014 when he played JD in Heathers: The Musical Off-Broadway. The darkly comedic, rock-inspired adaptation of the classic 1989 film earned McCartan significant praise for his dramatic and vocal performance.

Live theater may not match the glitz of television earnings, but it provides stability and prestige—particularly in New York’s Broadway and Off-Broadway circuits. Actors in Off-Broadway productions typically earn between $1,000 and $1,500 per week, depending on union contracts, while Broadway actors can make anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 per week or more, depending on the role, production scale, and box office success.

McCartan later transitioned to the Great White Way, notably taking on the role of Fiyero in the blockbuster musical Wicked. This role—one of the male leads in one of Broadway’s highest-grossing shows—brought both visibility and financial reward. Broadway performers in major roles can earn six-figure salaries annually, and with additional earnings from cast recordings, merchandise bonuses, and concert appearances, his time in Wicked likely played a key role in growing his net worth.

Moreover, McCartan’s stage experience has made him a sought-after performer for touring productions, concert series, and special events—all of which contribute additional income and further raise his profile in the performing arts community.

Film, Guest Roles, and Streaming Projects

In addition to his television and theater work, McCartan has built a resume filled with guest roles in shows like Royal Pains, The Middle, and Midnight, Texas. These appearances not only show his range but also offer consistent income streams. Even short guest stints on network television can pay several thousand dollars per episode, and many actors supplement their main gigs with this kind of work between larger projects.

McCartan also took on a notable role as Brad Majors in The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let’s Do the Time Warp Again, a musical television film broadcast by FOX in 2016. Though the movie received mixed reviews, it was a high-profile project that added another medium to his already diverse career. Made-for-TV films, especially network musical events, often come with a sizeable paycheck and bonus residuals through replays, on-demand streaming, and international distribution.

With the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, actors with broad skill sets like McCartan are increasingly tapped for roles in new series and independent films. Though these projects can vary widely in pay, they contribute to long-term net worth through exposure, royalties, and potential re-releases.

Musical Pursuits and Digital Revenue

Ryan McCartan’s financial portfolio is further diversified through his music career. In 2015, he formed the pop duo The Girl and the Dreamcatcher with then-girlfriend Dove Cameron. The group released multiple singles and an EP, developing a following particularly among teen and young adult audiences.

Even after the duo disbanded, McCartan continued pursuing solo music, releasing original songs and covers on streaming platforms. His YouTube channel and Spotify artist profile generate income through ad revenue and streaming royalties. While music streaming doesn’t pay at the same rate as traditional album sales, every play contributes incremental income, and as his songs continue to circulate, these earnings grow.

The music side of his career also allows for additional revenue streams including digital downloads, live performances, merchandise sales, and fan club memberships. Though perhaps not a chart-topping musician, McCartan’s musical work solidifies his personal brand and helps maintain steady revenue across platforms.

What Is Ryan McCartan’s Net Worth in 2025?

As of 2025, Ryan McCartan’s net worth is estimated to be in the range of $1.5 million to $3 million, with room to grow as he takes on new projects in music, theater, and television. Here’s a breakdown of how that wealth likely distributes across his career verticals:

Television (Liv and Maddie, guest roles, TV films): $600,000–$1,000,000
Theater (Off-Broadway and Broadway): $400,000–$700,000
Music (Duo, solo work, digital streaming): $200,000–$400,000
Brand deals, social media, and public appearances: $100,000–$300,000
Residuals and Royalties: Ongoing, variable income stream contributing 5–10% of annual earnings

What sets McCartan apart is that his net worth isn’t reliant on one single role or trend. Instead, he’s built a layered career where multiple income streams reinforce one another. His continued presence in New York’s theater community, steady work in television, and commitment to releasing music means he’s not only financially stable—but poised for growth.

As streaming platforms expand their reach and live theater returns to full force post-pandemic, performers like McCartan, who excel both on stage and on screen, are well-positioned for higher-profile roles and increased earnings.