(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Ashton Kutcher is reportedly earning "between $800,000 and $900,000" per episode on Two and a Half Men.

Ashton is the latest addition to the hit comedy show, and will portray internet billionaire Walden Schmidt when the new season returns in the US next month.

New York Post has reported Ashton will receive $700,000 per episode for his role in the show, totalling $15.4 million for the season.

However, it has now been suggested Ashton's salary is even higher, making him TV's highest-paid sitcom actor.

"There are reports that he's raking in $700,000, but we know it's much higher. Ashton is actually getting between $800,000 and $900,000 an episode," reports TMZ.

The site claims sources have told them Ashton will get "back end" profits too.

Ashton has famously replaced troubled actor Charlie Sheen as the show's star. Charlie was fired from the programme earlier this year, after a dispute with producer Chuck Lorre and controversial antics in his private life. His character Charlie Harper is being killed off, with a funeral scheduled to take place in the first episode of the new season.

According to TV Guide, Ashton's salary is still less than the reported $1.2 million per episode that Charlie was earning. (C) Cover Media