How Much Does a Golf Caddy Make? (2025 Data)

By Emma Wilson · July 14, 2029

On average, a golf caddy in the United States earns between $30 and $120 per 18-hole round, with annual salaries ranging from $15,000 for part-time caddies to over $100,000 for elite professional caddies on major tours. Earnings depend heavily on experience, location, tournament level, and whether compensation is hourly or commission-based.

What Determines a Golf Caddy's Pay?

A golf caddy's income varies widely based on several key factors. Unlike salaried professionals, most caddies earn through a combination of base pay, tips, and performance bonuses—especially at the professional level.

Key Factors Influencing Earnings

Level of Play: Club caddies at local courses earn significantly less than those working on the PGA Tour.
Location: High-end private clubs in states like California or Florida often pay more than rural public courses.
Experience: Veteran caddies with strong reputations command higher fees and better job opportunities.
Tournament vs. Regular Rounds: Major tournaments offer larger payouts and bonuses for top finishes.
Tipping Culture: It's customary for players to tip 40%–60% of the green fee, which can exceed base pay.

How Much Do Amateur and Professional Caddies Earn?

Caddying roles fall into two broad categories: amateur (club-level) and professional (tour-level). Each has distinct earning models.

Amateur & Club-Level Caddies

At country clubs and public golf courses, caddies typically earn a flat rate per bag or per round. Rates vary by region but generally range from $20 to $60 per 18 holes, plus tips. Many are seasonal workers, including students, leading to part-time incomes averaging $15,000–$30,000 annually.

Professional Tour Caddies

On the PGA Tour, caddies usually receive a weekly salary from their player, regardless of performance. Top-tier caddies also earn a percentage of their golfer’s winnings—typically 5%–10%. For example, if a golfer wins $1.5 million, the caddie could earn $150,000 (10%) plus their weekly stipend.

Caddy Type	Avg. Weekly Pay	Per Round (18 Holes)	Bonus/Tipping Rate	Annual Estimate
Beginner Club Caddy	$100–$200	$20–$40 + tip	40%–50% of green fee	$15,000–$20,000
Experienced Club Caddy	$300–$600	$50–$80 + tip	50%–60% of green fee	$30,000–$50,000
PGA Tour Caddy (Mid-tier)	$1,500–$2,500	N/A (weekly retainer)	5% of winnings	$150,000–$300,000
Top PGA Tour Caddy	$2,500–$3,500 + bonus	N/A	7%–10% of winnings	$500,000+

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows a steep income gap between club-level and tour-level caddies. While entry-level positions offer modest supplemental income, elite caddies benefit from lucrative win bonuses. A single major victory can double or triple a caddy’s annual earnings, making performance incentives a critical component of high-end caddy compensation.

Additional Income Streams for Golf Caddies

Beyond base pay and tips, many professional caddies access additional revenue sources that boost overall earnings.

Sponsorship Deals: High-profile caddies sometimes partner with brands for apparel or equipment endorsements.
Travel Allowances: Tour caddies receive per diems (around $200–$300/week) to cover meals and lodging.
Season Bonuses: Some players reward consistent performance with year-end bonuses.
Media Appearances: Well-known caddies may appear in documentaries, interviews, or podcasts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Caddy Salaries

How much do caddies make per round at a local golf course?

Most local golf course caddies earn between $20 and $60 per 18-hole round, depending on the facility and region. Tips typically add another 40%–60% of the green fee, increasing total compensation significantly.

Do PGA Tour caddies get paid if their player misses the cut?

Yes, PGA Tour caddies receive a weekly salary regardless of whether their player makes the cut. This base pay usually ranges from $1,500 to $3,500 per week, ensuring stable income even during poor performances.

What percentage of winnings do professional caddies receive?

Professional caddies typically earn 5% of their player’s prize money for finishing outside the top 10, 7% for a top-10 finish, and 10% for a tournament win. These percentages apply only to official PGA Tour events and similar elite competitions.

Are caddies self-employed?

Yes, most caddies are independent contractors. They manage their own taxes, insurance, and travel arrangements. On tour, they negotiate contracts directly with players rather than being employed by the PGA.

Can caddying be a full-time career?

Absolutely. While club caddying is often part-time, many build long-term careers at elite private clubs. At the professional level, experienced caddies work full-time with touring golfers, traveling globally and earning six-figure incomes.