How Much Do Assistants in the NFL Make? An In-Depth look at Salaries and Roles
As an avid football fan, I‘m sure you‘ve noticed the army of assistant coaches and staff that make an NFL team operate smoothly behind the scenes. But have you ever wondered – how much do those crucial assistants, coordinators and team personnel actually get paid? Their salaries range widely from the expected highs of seven-figure coordinator pay to the modest earnings of ball boys and equipment staff.
In my decade covering the NFL as an analyst, I‘ve learned what these overlooked staffers earn and why. Whether you aspire to work for an NFL club someday or just love football, I‘ll give you an insider‘s guide to NFL assistant salaries and duties. Let‘s dive in!
NFL Administrative Assistant Pay – Crucial Organizational Work Off the Field
Administrative assistants are the glue that holds NFL franchises together, handling vital organizational tasks for coaches and executives with precision and discretion. So what does this important role earn?
Average Administrative Assistant Salaries by NFL Team:
| Team | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| New England Patriots | $68,000 |
| Dallas Cowboys | $62,000 |
| Green Bay Packers | $55,000 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | $52,000 |
| Buffalo Bills | $48,000 |
As you can see in the table, pay for NFL administrative assistants ranges from around $48,000 for small markets like Buffalo up to $68,000 for marquee teams like the Patriots. Geographic region also plays a role – costs of living in metropolises like NYC and Boston are higher.
Experience dictates pay as well. Entry-level assistants in their first year earn approximately $38,000. But administrative pros with 5+ years under their belt supporting NFL head coaches can make upwards of $80,000 in large markets.
Bonuses are sometimes offered too, especially when assistants go above and beyond to enable success in big games or the playoffs.
So in summary, NFL administrative assistants earn from the high five-figures into six-figures depending on team, location, experience, and performance. Their behind-the-scenes work keeps NFL franchises running!
Hydration Technicians – The NFL‘s Thirst Quenchers
As a former high school quarterback, I know firsthand the importance of proper hydration during games and practices. That‘s where waterboys (or hydration technicians as some teams call them) come in. They ensure players are fueled with ample fluids and electrolytes. What does this physically demanding role pay?
Based on insider info, here‘s the salary breakdown:
- High School Waterboy – $1,000 to $3,000 season
- College Division Waterboy – $10,000 to $15,000
- NFL Rookie Waterboy – $25,000 to $40,000
- NFL Veteran Waterboy – $55,000 to $75,000
Annual salaries in the $50,000 range are most common for NFL waterboys. But some earn over $100,000 depending on tenure and team. One of the perks is getting free gear, products from the team‘s sponsors, and access to exclusive events. With long hours and heavy lifting of 35-50 pound water coolers in all weather, it‘s no easy gig!
Waterboys train during the offseason to stay in top shape. Being in excellent physical condition and maintaining intense focus is a must for this position. Hydration technicians may not get the big contracts, but they play a subtle role in supporting NFL athletes.
NFL Coordinator Salaries – Compensating Strategic Minds
When it comes to the big dollars, look no further than NFL coordinators. Drawing up game plans and calling the shots on gameday nets coordinators an average payday of $1 million.
But based on play calling success, salaries range from around $500,000 into the multimillion dollar territory:
- Low End – $500,000 to $750,000
- Average Salary – $950,000 to $1.25 million
- Top Tier – $2 million +
Here‘s a look at coordinators at the top of the payroll mountain:
| Name | Team | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Byron Leftwich | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | $2.5 million |
| Josh McDaniels | New England Patriots | $2.5 million |
| Todd Bowles | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | $2 million |
| Kellen Moore | Dallas Cowboys | $2 million |
Bucs offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich is currently the NFL‘s highest paid assistant coach, showing how today‘s top offenses command big dollars. Super Bowl rings also boost stock. The bottom line – strategic play calling prowess pays handsomely!
But it‘s not just seven-figure salaries for NFL OCs and DCs. Performance bonuses, endorsements, investments, and other income sources can push their earnings into the multi-millions.
Cheerleaders – Spirit and Dedication for the Love of the Game
As a former cheer coach, I have immense respect for the dedication NFL cheerleaders demonstrate. Although it‘s not a lucrative job, their energy and spirit brings fans together on gameday. Cheerleaders are expected to attend all home and away games, plus make appearances year-round – often unpaid.
For their time, NFL cheerleaders typically earn just $150-$400 per game, or up to $10,000 for a season. Minimum wage laws in some states like California have increased hourly pay recently. But most squads only pay per game worked.
Beyond games, cheerleaders make money through calendars, endorsements, and other avenues. The pay may seem low for the long hours. But most cheerleaders are motivated by their passion for dancing and love for their NFL team. The ability to inspire crowds through athletic dance is the heart of it all.
Now that you know how demanding the job is, I hope you‘ll appreciate all that cheerleaders do for our favorite NFL teams!
Equipment Staff – Unsung Heroes Behind the Gear
As a former high school equipment manager, I took pride in ensuring our team had the gear needed to excel. NFL equipment staff do the same, washing and meticulously maintaining uniforms and equipment for 53 players and the coaching staff. It‘s far from glamorous work, easily clocking 12+ hour days during the grind of the season. What does this labor intensive but essential work pay?
Based on data from Recruiting Edge, here are salary averages:
- Assistant Equipment Manager – $55,000
- Head Equipment Manager – $60,000 to $75,000
- Asst. Equipment Coordinator – $65,000 to $85,000
- Head Equipment Coordinator – $95,000 to $150,000+
While not getting rich, equipment personnel earn solid middle-class wages. Their specialized skills keeping helmets, pads, laundry, and gear in working order require training. Proper equipment operation is a competitive edge.
Of course, the NFL lifestyle provides unique perks and access for equipment staff. They certainly aren‘t in it just for the money. Shared passion for football drives their dedication behind the scenes.
Scouting Personnel – Evaluating Talent is a Full-Time Job
Team success hinges on discovering talent through the unrelenting grind of year-round scouting and evaluation. I‘ve seen firsthand the long hours scouts commit to this specialized, high-pressure role. So how are their evaluating efforts compensated?
Salaries vary based on scouting focus:
- Pro Scouts (NFL players) – $60,000 to $200,000
- College Scouts – $45,000 to $120,000
- High School/Regional Scouts – $35,000 to $65,000
Director and General Manager positions reach up to $200,000+ in large scouting departments. Bonuses are sometimes awarded based on how draft prospects and free agent signings perform.
There‘s also expenses and frequent travel factored in. The allure for scouts is not the pay, but the opportunity to be talent evaluators for an NFL club. Successful scouting acumen can launch bigger careers.
Their discerning analysis provides the player data decision makers leverage when building winning NFL teams. That mission keeps talented scouts engaged in their unique vocation.
Medical Staff – Bandaging Bodies and Rehabbing Injuries
Having been through intensive rehab and training for my own football injuries, I appreciate the medical magic NFL doctors, trainers and rehab staff conduct. Let‘s explore typical salaries for critical roles in maintaining player health:
- Team Doctor – $100,000 to $475,000
- Head Trainer – $125,000 to $375,000
- Physical Therapist – $50,000 to $150,000
- Massage Therapist – $40,000 to $100,000
- Strength Coach – $100,000 to $300,000
Larger salaries are generally earned by doctors and lead trainers with decades of NFL experience and expertise. Location also plays a role, with major metro teams again paying the most. Their specialized skills caring for elite athletes are indispensable.
In addition to competitive pay, NFL medical staff get access to cutting edge equipment and technology. They also gain notoriety that bolsters private practice and training business. There‘s immense pride associated with keeping players healthy and performing.
Final Thoughts on NFL Assistants
Whether it‘s coordinators creating plays, scouts evaluating talent, or waterboys hydrating athletes, assistants and staff fill critical roles in the NFL. Their passion for football and team success drive their contributions.
Compensation across positions varies widely from five to seven figure salaries based on responsibilities. But a shared love for the sport unifies assistants at all levels. Their work ethic and commitment rarely wavers, even when the pay isn‘t glamorous.
So the next time you watch an NFL game, make sure to appreciate all of the behind-the-scenes personnel who help make it happen!
Let me know if you have any other questions on the roles and salaries of NFL assistants. I‘m always happy to share insights from my time working around the league. Football truly takes a village, and we‘re lucky these dedicated professionals help build winning NFL organizations.