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

By Sarah Miller · June 10, 2034

PGA golf caddies typically earn between $1,500 and $3,000 per tournament week, with top earners making over $200,000 annually, including a base salary plus a percentage of their player’s winnings (5% for wins, 7% for top-10 finishes).

How Much Does a PGA Golf Caddy Make? Breaking Down the Numbers

The income of a PGA Tour caddy varies significantly based on experience, player performance, and tournament results. Most caddies work under a dual-compensation model: a weekly stipend plus a performance-based bonus. While the average caddy earns $1,500–$3,000 per week just to show up, their real earning potential comes from a cut of the golfer’s prize money—typically 5% for a win, 7% for a top-10 finish, and 10% for major championships.

This structure means that caddies for elite players like Scottie Scheffler or Rory McIlroy can clear six figures in a single season. For example, when a golfer wins a standard PGA Tour event with a $1.5 million prize, the caddy receives about $75,000. Over a successful season, total earnings can exceed $500,000 for top-tier caddies.

Factors That Influence a PGA Caddy’s Salary

Several key variables determine how much a professional golf caddy makes each year. These include the golfer’s consistency, tournament frequency, sponsorship deals, and even personal relationships.

Player Performance and Tournament Wins

Caddies earn more when their player frequently makes cuts and finishes in the top 10.
Major championship payouts are especially lucrative due to higher prize pools.
A single win can double a caddy’s annual income.

Experience and Reputation

Veteran caddies with strong track records command higher base pay.
Some elite caddies negotiate guaranteed minimums regardless of performance.
Reputation affects job security and opportunities to work with top-ranked players.

Tournament Frequency and Travel Costs

PGA Tour caddies travel nearly year-round, often covering 25+ events annually.
Travel, accommodation, and equipment costs are usually deducted from their weekly stipend.
Fewer tournaments mean lower overall income, even with high percentages.

Golfer	Caddy	Annual Earnings (Est.)	Tournaments Played	Top-10 Finishes
Scottie Scheffler	Ted Scott	$570,000	22	14
Rory McIlroy	Hannah Darling	$480,000	20	12
Brooks Koepka	Ricky Elliott	$410,000	18	10
Xander Schauffele	Philippe Rebeyrol	$360,000	19	9
Justin Thomas	Jimmy Johnson	$320,000	21	8

Table data source:1, 2

The table above shows estimated annual earnings for top PGA caddies in 2024. Earnings correlate strongly with both the number of top-10 finishes and total tournaments played. Caddies for consistently high-performing players benefit from compound bonuses across multiple events.

For instance, Ted Scott earned over $570,000 thanks to Scottie Scheffler’s dominance, including two wins and 14 top-10 finishes. In contrast, caddies for players who miss cuts regularly may earn closer to $150,000–$200,000, mostly from base pay.

How Caddie Pay Scales Across Different Levels

Not all caddies work on the PGA Tour. Compensation differs across tours such as the Korn Ferry Tour, LPGA Tour, and mini-tours.

PGA Tour vs. Other Tours

Korn Ferry Tour: Base pay ranges from $1,000–$1,500/week; bonus is typically 5% of winnings.
LPGA Tour: Caddies earn $1,000–$1,800 weekly, with 4–7% commission depending on finish.
Mini-Tours/Club Caddies: Often paid hourly ($15–$30) or flat fee per round ($50–$100).

Many caddies start at the local level before advancing to professional ranks. Networking, reliability, and course management skills are critical for career progression.

Additional Benefits and Hidden Costs

Beyond direct pay, caddies may receive perks, but also face significant expenses.

Perks of Being a PGA Caddy

Access to exclusive tournaments and hospitality areas.
Free travel and accommodations in some cases (though rare).
Brand sponsorships or gear deals for high-profile caddies.
Health insurance and retirement plans if employed full-time by a player.

Common Expenses

Airfare, hotels, meals, and transportation (often $1,000+ per week).
Golf club rentals and luggage fees.
Insurance and self-employment taxes (caddies are independent contractors).

After expenses, net income can be 20–30% lower than gross earnings, especially on longer tours.

Frequently Asked Questions About PGA Golf Caddy Salaries

How much does a PGA golf caddy make per tournament?

A PGA golf caddy typically earns $1,500–$3,000 per tournament week as a base salary, plus 5–10% of the player’s prize money if they finish in the money. For a win, this can total tens of thousands in a single week.

Do caddies get paid if the golfer misses the cut?

Yes, caddies receive their weekly stipend (usually $1,500–$2,500) even if the golfer misses the cut. However, they only earn a percentage of winnings if the player finishes in a prize-paying position.

Who is the highest-paid PGA caddy?

Ted Scott, caddy for Scottie Scheffler, was among the highest-paid in 2024, earning an estimated $570,000. Michael Greller (Jordan Spieth’s caddy) and Jimmy Johnson (Justin Thomas’s caddy) have also topped $500,000 in peak years.

What percentage do caddies get from winnings?

Caddies typically receive 5% of prize money for a win, 7% for a top-10 finish, and 10% for a major championship victory. Some negotiate custom rates based on performance tiers.

How do you become a PGA Tour caddy?

To become a PGA Tour caddy, start by working at local clubs or mini-tours to gain experience. Build relationships with players, demonstrate strong course management skills, and network within the golf community. Many caddies begin as loopers or assistant caddies before joining professional tours.