How Much Do Golf Caddies Make? Earnings Breakdown 2025

By Emma Wilson · July 11, 2026

Golf caddies typically earn between $1,000 and $3,500 per tournament on the PGA Tour, with top earners making over $200,000 annually through base pay and performance-based tips. Earnings vary significantly based on experience, player success, and tour level.

Understanding Golf Caddie Salaries

Caddies play a crucial behind-the-scenes role in professional golf, carrying clubs, reading greens, and offering strategic advice. Their income structure is unique—combining base salaries with performance-based bonuses and tips. Unlike salaried professionals, most caddies are independent contractors whose earnings depend heavily on the golfer’s performance.

How Do Golf Caddies Get Paid?

Weekly Base Pay: Most PGA Tour caddies receive a guaranteed weekly salary from their player, typically ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 per tournament.
Performance Bonus: Caddies usually earn a percentage of their player’s winnings—commonly 5% for a missed cut, 7% for a top-10 finish, and 10% for a win.
Tips and Bonuses: Additional compensation may come from discretionary tips, especially after strong performances or victories.
Sponsorships & Side Deals: Top-tier caddies sometimes secure endorsement deals or appearance fees, though this is rare.

Factors That Influence Caddie Earnings

Not all caddies earn the same, even within the same tour. Several key variables affect total income:

Player Performance

A caddie working for a consistent top-10 finisher will earn substantially more than one with a player who frequently misses cuts. A single tournament win can dramatically boost earnings due to the 10% commission on prize money.

Experience and Reputation

Veteran caddies with strong reputations often command higher base salaries and are more likely to be hired by elite players. Trust and chemistry between player and caddie are critical.

Tour Level

Earnings differ across tours. PGA Tour caddies earn the most, followed by LPGA, European Tour, and developmental tours like the Korn Ferry Tour, where prize pools and base pay are lower.

Number of Working Weeks

The more tournaments a player qualifies for, the more opportunities a caddie has to earn. Players who qualify for playoffs or international events extend the earning season.

Detailed Caddie Earnings by Tournament and Finish

Player Finish	Avg. Prize Money (PGA Tour)	Caddie Base Pay	Caddie Commission (10%)	Total Estimated Earnings
Win	$1,800,000	$2,500	$180,000	$182,500
Top 10	$300,000	$2,000	$21,000 (7%)	$23,000
Make Cut	$50,000	$1,800	$2,500 (5%)	$4,300
Miss Cut	$0	$1,500	$0	$1,500

Table data source:1, 2

This table illustrates how performance directly impacts a caddie’s paycheck. A victory can yield over $180,000 in commission alone, while missing the cut limits earnings to base pay. Consistency and high finishes are essential for maximizing annual income.

Annual Income Range for Professional Caddies

Top caddies like Jimmy Johnson (Tiger Woods’ former caddie) or Jonathan Smart (caddie for Justin Thomas) have earned over $500,000 in peak years. However, average annual earnings range from $100,000 to $250,000 for full-time PGA Tour caddies. Those on smaller tours may earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually.

Common Questions About Golf Caddie Earnings

How much does a PGA Tour caddie make per week?

A PGA Tour caddie typically earns between $1,500 and $3,000 as a base salary per tournament, plus a percentage of winnings—ranging from 5% to 10% depending on the finish.

Do caddies get paid if the golfer misses the cut?

Yes, caddies receive a guaranteed base pay (usually $1,500–$2,000) even if the player misses the cut, but they do not earn a commission on prize money unless agreed otherwise.

What percentage of winnings do caddies get?

Most caddies receive 5% for making the cut, 7% for a top-10 finish, and 10% if the player wins. These rates are informal industry standards but can vary by agreement.

Who are the highest-paid golf caddies?

Top earners include Jimmy Johnson, Steve Williams, and Austin Johnson, with annual incomes exceeding $500,000 during peak years due to working with champions like Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth.

Do amateur or club caddies make the same as pro caddies?

No, amateur or country club caddies typically earn $30–$100 per round, while mini-tour or regional event caddies may make $500–$1,000 per event with smaller commissions. This is far below PGA Tour levels.