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If anyone’s in the market for a new gig, allow us to suggest a career as a reality TV villain. The hours are lousy, but we’ve got a feeling you’re going to enjoy the perks….

In case you were wondering what brought Laguna Beach baddie Kristin Cavallari back to MTV, feast your eyes on this: Life & Style Weekly is reporting that the blonde wannabe actress will earn an astounding $63,000 per episode after signing on to replace archrival Lauren Conrad as the new protagonist on Season 6 of MTV’s The Hills.

That’s almost unheard of in the land of unscripted television — and just $2,000 less than $65,000 per episode payday that the network was shelling out for LC.

“They needed her,” a production insider says, explaining why Kristin will earn over $1 million for her work this season, solidifying her spot as the highest-paid castmember on The Hills. “They needed someone new and fresh, who also came with a buzz and a name that was recognizable. Kristin was the obvious choice.”

According to the source, Kristin used MTV’s desperation to replace Lauren to her advantage during contract negotiations.

“She wanted money. You don’t have to pay the other girls that kind of money, but for Kristin you had to pay up.”

At least one member of the cast believes the tongue-lashing Kristin’s tenure on The Hills will be worth every penny.

“She’s so fun and crazy,” says series star Holly Montag. “Kristin’s not afraid to put anything on camera. She’s not going to hold anything back.”