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

By Sarah Miller · January 21, 2045

Professional golf caddies typically earn between $1,500 and $3,000 per tournament week on the PGA Tour, plus a percentage of their player’s winnings—usually 5% to 10% for wins and top finishes. Top-earning caddies can make over $500,000 annually, with some exceeding $1 million in high-performance years.

What Determines a Professional Golf Caddy's Salary?

A professional golf caddy's income is not fixed; it depends on several key factors including the tour they work on, the performance of the golfer they carry for, experience level, and bonus agreements. Unlike salaried jobs, caddies operate on a commission-based model, making their earnings highly variable from week to week.

Key Factors Influencing Caddy Earnings

Tournament Performance: Higher finishes mean larger payouts for both player and caddy.
Golfer's Earnings: Caddies earn a percentage of prize money, so playing with a top earner boosts income.
Tour Level: PGA Tour offers higher purses than Korn Ferry or international tours.
Weekly Base Pay: Even if the golfer misses the cut, caddies receive a flat fee per event.
Sponsorships & Bonuses: Some caddies negotiate side deals or appearance fees.

PGA Tour Caddy Pay Structure Explained

The standard compensation model for PGA Tour caddies combines a weekly stipend with a performance-based bonus. This dual-income stream ensures basic coverage while rewarding success.

Typical Payment Breakdown

Weekly Wage: $1,500 – $3,000 (paid regardless of finish)
Top 10 Finish: 7% of player’s winnings
Winning Tournament: 10% of prize money
Other Agreements: Some caddies take a flat rate or hybrid deal

Caddy	Player	Annual Earnings (USD)	Tournaments Won	Year
Jonathan Smart	Rory McIlroy	$570,000	2	2023
Jimmy Johnson	Scottie Scheffler	$685,000	4	2023
Steve Williams	Tiger Woods	$1,270,000	6	2000
Michael Greller	Bryson DeChambeau	$490,000	1	2024
Tony Navarro	Brooks Koepka	$420,000	2	2023

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows a strong correlation between player success and caddy income. Caddies working with multiple winners in a season, like Jimmy Johnson with Scottie Scheffler, can surpass $600,000 annually. Historical outliers like Steve Williams in 2000 highlight how dominant player seasons translate into record caddy earnings.

Income Variations Across Golf Tours

Earnings differ significantly depending on the professional tour. The PGA Tour offers the highest financial potential due to large prize pools, while other tours provide more modest opportunities.

Comparison by Tour

PGA Tour: Average caddy earnings: $250,000–$500,000/year
Korn Ferry Tour: Weekly pay: $1,000–$1,500; bonuses smaller
LPGA Tour: Top caddies earn $100,000–$200,000/year
DP World Tour: Similar structure but lower overall purse shares
Mini-Tours: Often no guaranteed pay; purely commission-based

Top-Earning Caddies in Recent Years

A select group of caddies consistently ranks at the top due to their association with elite players. These professionals benefit from long-term partnerships and proven track records.

Notable High-Income Caddies (2020–2024)

Jimmy Johnson: Worked with Scottie Scheffler; earned over $685,000 in 2023.
Jonathan Smart: Rory McIlroy’s caddy; made ~$570,000 in 2023 after two wins.
Tony Navarro: Longtime caddy for Brooks Koepka; consistent six-figure earner.
Mike Cowan: Veteran caddy for Bryson DeChambeau and previously Tiger Woods.
Steve Williams: Legendary status; earned over $1 million in peak years with Tiger Woods.

Frequently Asked Questions About Professional Golf Caddy Salaries

How much does a PGA Tour caddy make per week?

PGA Tour caddies typically receive a weekly base salary between $1,500 and $3,000, paid even if the golfer misses the cut. On top of that, they earn 5%–10% of the player’s prize money if the golfer finishes in the money, especially for top 10s or wins.

Do caddies get paid if the golfer misses the cut?

Yes, most professional caddies receive a guaranteed weekly stipend ranging from $1,500 to $3,000, regardless of whether the golfer makes the weekend. This covers travel, expenses, and labor, ensuring caddies are compensated for their time.

What percentage of winnings does a caddy get?

Caddies usually receive 10% of the prize money when their player wins a tournament, 7% for a top 10 finish, and 5% for other in-the-money finishes. These percentages are part of private agreements and can vary slightly based on negotiation.

Who is the highest-paid golf caddy ever?

Steve Williams holds the record as the highest-paid caddy in golf history. In 2000, while working for Tiger Woods, he earned an estimated $1.27 million in a single year due to Woods’ dominant season, including multiple major victories.

How do you become a professional golf caddy?

To become a pro caddy, start by gaining experience at local clubs or mini-tours. Build relationships with aspiring professionals, learn course management and yardage books, and develop strong communication skills. Many break in through networking or caddy schools, eventually working up to higher-level tours via performance and reputation.