NFL Average Salary and Median Pay in Latest Data
The average salary of NFL players for the most recent league season is approximately $2.7 million, while the median salary is around $1.1 million, reflecting a skewed distribution with a small number of high earners pulling the mean upward Forbes.
These figures are based on the league's latest publicly reported salary cap of roughly $255 million per team and the collective bargaining agreement that governs player contracts, with the NFL Players Association publishing detailed salary data NFLPA.
Highest Paid Positions and Salary Ranges
Quarterbacks dominate the top of the pay scale, with elite starters earning average contracts well above $40 million per year, while wide receivers and edge rushers also command average salaries above $20 million at the top tier Spotrac.
Salary Distribution by Experience Level
Rookies on rookie-scale contracts earn a minimum salary of around $705,000 in the most recent season, while players with 10 or more years of experience earn a minimum of roughly $1.1 million, and veteran starters on long-term deals can average $25 million or more annually OverTheCap.
Salary Cap, Guarantees, and Team Spending
The NFL salary cap for the most recent season is set at approximately $255 million per team, with each franchise required to allocate the majority of that cap space to player salaries, and dead money from released contracts counting against the cap NFL Operations.
Guaranteed money varies widely, with top-tier free agents often securing deals where most of the contract value is guaranteed, while the average NFL player's total compensation includes base salary, roster bonuses, and pro bowl incentives that can shift year to year Forbes.