How much do NFL waterboys/girls get paid? (2024)

“He was one of a kind. The last of his breed. The world’s finest... waterboy!”

The movie starring Adam Sandler was a classic, and there are documentaries and even songs about them, but when it comes to being an NFL waterboy, it’s simply about being in and around your favorite NFL players and, more over, helping them out. With that in mind, it’s clear to see that as a waterboy for the NFL, you have the opportunity to be up close and personal with the sport in a way that is normally reserved for the players themselves.

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That is, of course, before we consider the fact that there is a decent salary for doing so as well.

What does a NFL Waterboy do?

Despite common jokes, waterboys are an important part of the NFL training staff. Their main task is of course keeping NFL players hydrated which is to say insuring there is always water readily available to players while they are playing and training. In addition they are also on hand to provide players with fresh towels while disposing of those that have been used.

Waterboys also need to display a high a degree of intuition. What that means is, they need to be conscious of player needs at all times relative to the ongoing game or practice session. Quite simply they need to attend to players without distracting or hindering them in anyway.

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How much do NFL waterboys make?

NFL waterboys actually make a fairly decent salary. Typically speaking individuals earn around $35,000 per year. Those who have been in the game for an extended period of time, however, can earn significantly more, with some even reported to be starting well above $50,000. They are also eligible for a number of perks which can make the amount the take in even higher. This of course pales in comparison to the salary of NFL players themselves. Even rookies in the NFL can make $400,000 per year while the average the average NFL player salary is $860,000 per year. This is to say nothing of the elite players at the top of the league who can earn more than $25 million per year.

Lamar Jackson: Pro Bowl QB, Pro Bowl waterboy 😂 (via @NFLFilms)pic.twitter.com/FU5xCDTUg5

— NFL (@NFL) February 4, 2023

While the salary of a NFL waterboy is respectable it’s assured that the real plus is in the perks and of course being able to interact on a personal level. Understandably it is not a long term career option but, can often be a launchpad for roles within the corporate side of the NFL itself.

How much do NFL waterboys/girls get paid? (2024)

FAQs

How much do NFL waterboys/girls get paid? ›

NFL waterboys actually make a fairly decent salary. Typically speaking individuals earn around $35,000 per year. Those who have been in the game for an extended period of time, however, can earn significantly more, with some even reported to be starting well above $50,000.

Can a female be an NFL waterboy? ›

Even though they're known as waterboys, the role is not gender-specific. As an entry-level position, waterboys are vital members of an NFL team's training staff. In fact, many trainers began their NFL careers as waterboys. Waterboys are responsible for filling up water bottles and keeping players hydrated.

Do waterboys get Super Bowl rings? ›

The answer is yes, waterboys do receive Super Bowl rings, and they can even customize them to their liking. However, not all teams award their ... National Football League (NFL) cheerleaders can receive a Super Bowl ring. They can even get better items than the player, such as a large pendant.

Does the waterboy travel with the team? ›

Travel Opportunities: Waterboys typically travel with the NFL team, providing them with unique experiences and access to the world of professional sports. Free Merchandise and Game Tickets: They often receive free merchandise and tickets for NFL games.

How much do towel boys make in the NFL? ›

NFL Waterboy Salary: $53,000.

But this does vary by team. And some waterboys are unpaid interns that at best receive a stipend. But the Career Explorer Guide lists the average salary as 53K a year. It may be even more now.

How much does the NFL water Girl get paid? ›

NFL waterboys actually make a fairly decent salary. Typically speaking individuals earn around $35,000 per year. Those who have been in the game for an extended period of time, however, can earn significantly more, with some even reported to be starting well above $50,000.

Has any girl made it to the NFL? ›

Although women's participation in the NFL has not materialized in actual games, there have been notable instances that brought them closer to breaking the barrier. Lauren Silberman's tryout with the NFL in 2013 stands as a historic event.

Who has the lowest salary in the NFL? ›

While Tyrone Swoopes won the reigning title of the lowest-paid NFL player in 2021, looking at the low end of league earners isn't as simple. NFL players face different minimum values that depend on their contract and designation as active or inactive players.

How much does an NFL ball boy make? ›

The estimated total pay for a Ball Boy is $62,031 per year, with an average salary of $54,423 per year. These numbers represent the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. The estimated additional pay is $7,608 per year.

How do I become an NFL waterboy? ›

The qualifications of an NFL waterboy are a high school diploma or equivalent education. Beyond high school, there are no educational requirements as there are other skills that are more relevant for being a waterboy. Good communication skills are also great for becoming a waterboy for the NFL.

How much does an NFL cheerleader make? ›

An NBC Sports Boston article from 2022 said Cowboys cheerleaders earn $15-20 per hour or around $75,000 annually more than triple the average NFL cheerleader salary of $22,500. Despite that report, Kat, a 2022 DCC alum, said she was making as much as a full-time fast food employee in the documentary.

Do NFL mascots get paid? ›

all pay their mascots the lowest amount in the league. at $50,000 per season, but some teams pay much more. If you're selected for the position with the Cowboys. or the Patriots, then congrats, you're in the big leagues. NFL mascots can expect about $60,000 a year, with the Cowboys and Patriots.

How much do referees make in the NFL? ›

Although the official figures are not usually revealed publicly, after the last agreement between the league and the NFL Referees Association it was known that in the 2019 season, referees received earnings of $205,000 on average. This equates to around $12,000 per game, a pretty significant figure.

Can a girl play on a boys football team? ›

For now, it's nevertheless possible for girls to join boys' football teams but they need the approbation of the coach and to eventually pass the tryout. Because of the physical differences between the two genders, girls could be involved in the boys' football kicker team while creating teams for them.

Can you play in the NFL as a girl? ›

The National Football League was once completely male-dominated, but women have been making their mark in the league at historic highs as of late. Women are holding more prominent roles and proving their gender means nothing when the work is at a high level.

What are the requirements to be a waterboy in the NFL? ›

The qualifications of an NFL waterboy are a high school diploma or equivalent education. Beyond high school, there are no educational requirements as there are other skills that are more relevant for being a waterboy. Good communication skills are also great for becoming a waterboy for the NFL.

Can females play on male teams? ›

Although the law allows for sports to have separate teams, if you prevent a girl playing in a boy's team (and vice versa) it may be unlawful discrimination.

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