Base Salary and Weekly Pay Structure
Most PGA Tour caddies earn a base salary that ranges from about $1,000 to $2,000 per tournament week, with the exact amount depending on the player's status and the caddie's experience. On the PGA Tour, a typical starting caddie might receive a lower weekly base, while more established caddies working with top players can command higher guaranteed weekly pay. This base salary covers travel and tournament-week expenses, and it is separate from any performance-based bonuses or percentage of winnings. For a detailed breakdown of how tour caddie contracts are structured, you can review this overview of caddie compensation models on Forbes.
Weekly base pay is often negotiated before the season and can be adjusted based on the player's projected earnings and the caddie's track record. Some caddies receive a modest retainer throughout the year in addition to tournament-week pay, while others rely solely on per-tournament compensation. The base salary is usually paid regardless of whether the player makes the cut, but bonuses are typically earned only when the player finishes high or wins. This structure means that a caddie's total income can vary widely from week to week, even on the same tour. For official labor and compensation standards in professional sports, the U.S. Department of Labor provides relevant wage and hour guidance.
Percentage of Winnings and Bonus Structure
The most significant part of a PGA Tour caddie's earnings usually comes from a percentage of the player's winnings, commonly set at 5 to 10 percent of the player's prize money. For example, if a player wins a tournament with a purse of $2 million and the caddie receives a 7 percent share, the caddie earns $140,000 from that single event. The exact percentage is often locked in at the start of the partnership and can be renegotiated after strong performances or major wins. This bonus-heavy structure means that top caddies can earn far more than their base salary in a single tournament week.
In addition to the percentage of winnings, caddies may receive bonuses for specific achievements, such as a top-10 finish, a major championship, or a world number one ranking. Some contracts include escalator clauses that increase the caddie's percentage as the player's earnings rise, rewarding long-term success. These bonuses can dramatically increase a caddie's annual income, especially during peak performance stretches. For information on how professional sports contracts and prize money are reported, the PGA Tour's official site provides detailed tournament results and payout data.
Top Earners and Annual Income Ranges
The highest-paid PGA Tour caddies can earn several hundred thousand dollars in a single season, with the most successful partnerships generating over $1 million in combined winnings and bonuses. Caddies who work with consistent top-10 players or major champions often land among the top earners in the caddie world. For instance, a caddie whose player wins multiple events in a season can see a dramatic spike in annual income thanks to both the percentage of winnings and special achievement bonuses. This wide income range reflects the performance-based nature of the job, where a single major victory can outweigh an entire year of modest results.
Outside of the very top tier, most PGA Tour caddies earn a more modest annual income that combines base salary, weekly bonuses, and a percentage of winnings. Many caddies treat the position as a high-risk, high-reward career, knowing that income can swing sharply based on the player's form and health. Some caddies also earn additional income through appearance fees, sponsorships, or media work, especially if they become well-known through a major win. For broader data on earnings and employment in the sports industry, the Bureau of Labor Statistics offers occupational employment and wage statistics.