Miles Bennett
Golf caddies are an integral part of the game, and their earnings can vary widely. While there is little to no required education or experience to become a caddie, building a reputation as a knowledgeable one is essential. Caddies typically receive a weekly salary, ranging from $1500 to $4000, and they also earn a cut of tournament winnings, usually between 5% and 10%. Additionally, they can supplement their income through sponsorships and branded attire. The best caddies, like Steve Williams, who caddied for Tiger Woods, have made millions from their partnerships. Overall, caddie earnings depend on their golfer's performance, experience level, and location, with some caddies earning over $20 per hour or millions in a year.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average hourly pay for a golf caddy in the US | $18.85 |
| Hourly wages range | $9.86 - $29.57 |
| Average pay range | $15.38 - $21.63 |
| Average weekly wage | $1,500 - $4,000 |
| Percentage of prize money for a major event | Up to 10% |
| Percentage of winnings for a finish outside the top 10 | 5% |
| Percentage of winnings for a top-10 finish | 6-8% |
| Percentage of winnings for a win | 10% |
| Supplementary income through sponsorships | $5,000 - $8,000 |
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What You'll Learn
PGA Tour caddies earn $1500-$4000 weekly
Being a caddie on the PGA Tour is not an easy job. Caddies are often away from family and friends for months, working outdoors in poor weather conditions, and are dependent on their golfer's talent for their income.
PGA Tour caddies earn a weekly wage of $1500 to $4000. This figure can vary depending on the golfer's performance and the specific agreement between the player and the caddie. While it was once standard for caddies to receive a weekly salary plus 10% of their player's tournament winnings, this is no longer the case. Instead, the percentage of winnings a caddie receives depends on the player's final position. A standard bonus of 5% is awarded if the player makes "the cut", with 7% for a top-10 finish, and 10% for a win.
The Association of Professional Caddies and the Caddies Network report a weekly wage of $2000 to $4000, as caddies have to cover their own travel, lodging, and food expenses. This figure can increase for marquee events like the Masters, where caddies can expect to earn between $2000 and $4000.
In addition to their weekly wage and bonuses, caddies can also earn supplementary income through sponsorships and wearing branded attire. The average payout for this is $5000 to $8000, but it can be higher depending on the golfer's performance.
While the role of a caddie once consisted of carrying the bag, cleaning clubs, replacing divots, helping to read putts, and scouting the course, their role has expanded. Today, caddies are considered very close members of a PGA Tour pro's inner circle, providing input on key distances, suggesting swing techniques, and reading the green.
Caddies of high-profile golfers, such as Scottie Scheffler and Tiger Woods, can earn considerably more. For example, Scottie Scheffler's caddie, Ted Scott, is estimated to have earned $1.8 million from Scheffler's winnings in 2024 alone. Similarly, Tiger Woods' long-time caddie, Steve Williams, is estimated to have made $12 million during their partnership.
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They can also earn a % of prize money
While there is no standard contract between a player and their caddy, it is understood that a caddy's earnings are not just limited to their weekly salary. They also receive a cut of the tournament earnings, i.e., a percentage of the prize money.
The percentage of prize money a caddy receives is dependent on the player's performance and where they place in the tournament. A standard bonus of 5% is awarded to the caddy when their player makes "the cut". If the player finishes in the top 10, the caddy receives a bonus of 6-8% of the prize money. For instance, Tiger Woods' caddy, Steve Williams, is estimated to have made $12 million from their years-long partnership. If the player wins the tournament, the caddy receives a bonus of 10% of the prize money.
In addition to their weekly salary and bonuses, caddies can also earn supplementary income through sponsorships and wearing branded attire. The Association of Professional Tour Caddies (APTC) has at least five sponsors who work with caddies. One of the most popular sponsors, Valspar, awards caddies for wearing their hats during PGA Tour events. The average payout is reportedly $5,000–$8,000 but can be higher based on the golfer's performance.
The earnings of a caddy are directly dependent on the earnings of their player. As PGA major tournaments increase payouts, caddies of top golfers will stand to earn the most.
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Sponsorships and branded attire provide extra income
While the player's performance determines most of a golf caddie's income, sponsorships and branded attire can provide extra income. Caddies can offset their travel expenses through sponsorships and perks offered by the PGA. The Caddie Appreciation Program, for instance, provides caddies with gift cards and exclusive access to appreciation events for caddies only at PGA Tour events.
The Association of Professional Tour Caddies (APTC) has at least five sponsors who work with caddies. Sponsors like Valspar award caddies for wearing their hats during PGA Tour events, with an average payout of $5,000–$8,000, which can increase depending on the golfer's performance.
Starting in 2020, the European Tour acknowledged the value of caddies' on-camera presence and agreed to pay them to display logos on items like hats, bag straps, towels, and yardage books. This agreement benefits all caddies, especially those working with lesser-known players, as it provides an additional source of income beyond the standard weekly wage and performance bonuses.
While the extent of caddie sponsorships is not as significant as that of players, it is still a valuable source of extra income that can help cover expenses and provide additional financial rewards for caddies.
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Caddies for high-profile golfers earn more
While there is little to no required education or experience needed to become a PGA Tour caddie, what matters most is building a reputation as a knowledgeable caddie. The base salary for new caddies begins at around $1,500 a week, while experienced caddies can earn as much as $4,000 a week. The average caddie earns roughly $2,000 per week, excluding bonuses based on player performance. When their player makes the cut, a caddie will receive a standard bonus of 5%. If their player finishes in the top 10, the caddie gets 7%. If their player wins, the caddie receives 10%.
Caddies for high-profile golfers, such as Scottie Scheffler and Tiger Woods, earn considerably more. For instance, Scottie Scheffler's caddie, Ted Scott, is estimated to have earned $1.8 million from Scheffler's winnings in 2024 alone. Similarly, Tiger Woods' long-time caddie, Steve Williams, is estimated to have made $12 million during their partnership.
In addition to their salary and bonuses, caddies can also earn money from sponsorships. While not to the same extent as players, caddies can make money by wearing a sponsor's logo on their hat or shirt sleeve. The average payout for this is $5,000–$8,000, but this can be higher based on the golfer's performance.
Caddies are often considered very close members of a PGA Tour pro's inner circle. They are valued for their input on key distances, suggested swing techniques, and reading the green. As a result, the best caddies can take home millions of dollars in earnings.
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The average hourly rate is $18.85
As of June 12, 2025, the average hourly pay for a golf caddy in the United States is $18.85. This figure can vary depending on various factors, such as skill level, location, and years of experience. For example, in New York, the average hourly rate for a golf caddy is $21, which is higher than the national average.
The hourly rate for golf caddies can also differ based on the specific city or state. For instance, Mineral, Virginia; Nome, Alaska; and Nantucket, Massachusetts, are cities that offer above-average salaries for golf caddies. The average salary for these top ten cities, including Mineral, VA, and San Francisco, CA, varies by about 20%.
It is important to note that the role of a golf caddy extends beyond carrying clubs and can include providing input on key distances, suggesting swing techniques, and reading the green. Additionally, caddies for high-profile golfers, such as Scottie Scheffler and Tiger Woods, can earn considerably more than the average.
While the weekly salary for golf caddies can range from $1,500 to $4,000, it is worth mentioning that they also receive a percentage of tournament earnings. This typically ranges from 5% to 10% of the player's winnings, depending on the player's final position in the tournament.
Furthermore, golf caddies can also earn supplementary income through sponsorships and wearing branded attire during tournaments. This additional income can range from $5,000 to $8,000 on average but can increase based on the golfer's performance.
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Frequently asked questions
Golf caddies are paid a weekly wage of anywhere between $1,500 and $4,000. They also receive a cut of tournament earnings, with a standard bonus of 5% for their player making "the cut", 7% for a top-10 finish, and 10% for a win.
Yes, caddies have to pay for their own travel, lodging, and food.
Caddies for high-profile golfers like Tiger Woods and Scottie Scheffler can make millions. For example, Scottie Scheffler's caddie, Ted Scott, is estimated to have earned $1.8 million from Scheffler's winnings in 2024 alone.
A caddie's earnings depend on their level of experience, the performance of their player, and the location.
Yes, caddies can make supplementary income by wearing branded attire. The Association of Professional Tour Caddies (APTC) has at least five sponsors who work with caddies.
