Professional Caddie Salary
Just how lucrative is the life of a caddie on the PGA Tour? The best caddies are not just walking the course; they're strategic partners, earning substantial salaries and influencing the outcome of tournaments, often making a very comfortable living.
The world of professional golf, with its meticulously manicured greens and high-stakes competition, is as much about the partnership between player and caddie as it is about individual skill. Caddies are integral to the success of professional golfers, offering support, strategic advice, and a steadying presence throughout the pressure-cooker environment of tournaments worldwide. But, beyond the camaraderie and the shared victories, lies a question that has long intrigued golf enthusiasts and industry observers alike: How much do these unsung heroes of the fairways actually earn?
The financial rewards for a caddie are often a blend of a weekly stipend and a percentage of a player's winnings. While the specifics of each player-caddie agreement can vary, certain standards have emerged over time. The base salary, meant to cover expenses such as travel and lodging, generally ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 per event. Unlike players with sponsorships or office workers with health benefits, PGA Tour caddies are independent contractors. This means they are responsible for their own expenses, making the base salary crucial. According to the Association of Professional Caddies and the Caddies Network, the weekly wage can fluctuate between $2,000 and $4,000, due to the independent contractor status. As of April 01, 2025, in South Carolina the average annual salary for a professional caddie is $60,332. This figure is, of course, a mean average, and the salary range can vary from a low of $48,695 to a high of $72,195, with most professionals earning between $54,241 and $66,542.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Salary (per event) | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Weekly Wage | $2,000 - $4,000 (according to the Association of Professional Caddies and the Caddies Network) |
| Percentage of Winnings (for first place) | 10% |
| Percentage of Winnings (for top 10 finish) | 7% |
| Percentage of Winnings (for lower place prize money) | 5% |
| Average Annual Salary (South Carolina, as of April 01, 2025) | $60,332 |
| Average Annual Salary (Helena, Montana, as of December 01, 2024) | $55,353 (range: $49,764 - $61,051) |
| Average Annual Salary (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as of February 01, 2025) | $63,079 (range: $56,712 - $69,574) |
| Average Annual Salary (United States, as of November 27, 2023) | $60,474 (range: $54,041 - $67,057) |
| Average Annual Salary (San Antonio, Texas, as of December 27, 2023) | $58,646 (range: $52,409 - $65,032) |
| Average Annual Salary (Jacksonville, Florida, as of December 27, 2023) | $57,818 (range: $51,670 - $64,115) |
| Bonus Structure | Based on player's performance |
| Hourly rate at Country Clubs | Around $30, can go as high as $75 |
| Senior Level Golf Caddie (8+ years experience, South Africa) | Average salary of R157,798 |
Reference: salary.com
The pay structure for a caddie on the PGA Tour isn't solely about a base salary. It also includes a percentage of a players earnings. The exact percentage is usually a negotiated term in each individual agreement. The most common arrangement is that caddies receive 10% of a player's winnings for a first-place finish, 7% for a top 10 finish, and 5% for any lower prize money. While not all caddies receive $120,000 base salaries, as suggested by some reports, these strategic partners can make substantial salaries, and caddies for the most successful players do make a great living. Beyond the financial aspect, there's a significant level of camaraderie built between the golfer and their caddie. Scottie Scheffler and his caddie, Ted Scott, for example, are often seen sharing a laugh on the course, highlighting the supportive partnership that extends beyond the technical aspects of the game.
Consider the remarkable success of the Northern Irish golfer, who has already amassed over $10 million in prize money in 2024, propelled by victories at the Wells Fargo Championship and the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. These wins, and the resulting prize money, have undoubtedly translated into significant earnings for his caddie.
The life of a caddie is multifaceted. They provide advice on club selection, reading greens, and course management. They offer a source of support and encouragement for their players, particularly during challenging moments. The job demands travel, long hours, and a deep understanding of the game. It's a career where individuals pay their own travel expenses including lodging, food, etc.
The financial rewards are, of course, a primary concern for those considering a career as a professional caddie. Figures from 2017 offer some perspective on the earnings potential, even though hard data can be scarce. While most professional golfers' caddies earn a salary of $1,000 to $3,000 per week, the amount can vary. The average professional caddie salary in the United States, as of November 27, 2023, was approximately $60,474. But the salary range can be wide, typically falling between $54,041 and $67,057. In Helena, Montana, the average caddie salary was $55,353 as of December 01, 2024, though the range varied from $49,764 to $61,051. In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the average salary for a professional caddie was reported as $63,079 as of February 01, 2025, with a range between $56,712 and $69,574. In San Antonio, Texas, the average salary was $58,646 as of December 27, 2023, and in Jacksonville, Florida, the average was $57,818 on the same date.
For golf fans, it's tempting to think that being a caddie is an ideal job. And, in many ways, it is. But it's also a demanding profession that requires a unique blend of knowledge, skills, and personality. In 2015, Geno Bonnalie, became Joel Dahmens caddie, beginning his tenure when Dahmen earned his Korn Ferry Tour status and has remained a steadfast presence. Some caddies can also make more with tips from members and other golfers who visit the course.
The job also carries with it the significant expense of travel, lodging, and food. Many PGA Tour caddies are independent contractors, meaning they are responsible for their own expenses. This independent contractor status is a critical distinction. A golf caddy at a country club can make more than amateur caddies. This can go as high as $75 an hour. This job is popular for junior golfers as a local golf course caddy.
The career of a caddie on the PGA Tour offers a rewarding journey, both financially and professionally. Their work is a critical part of the success of professional golfers, and their guidance, strategy, and support are constant. This career field provides both financial and career growth, as well as opportunities for a unique life on the road.
