Jimmy Kimmel getting paid just $21k for hosting the glitziest night of the year

Jimmy Kimmel will host the Oscars in February. Photo/AP

A word of advice for future Oscars hosts: don't do it for the money.

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

The comedian revealed he'll receive just US$15,000 (about $21,000) 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 $15,000-$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!"

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 27.