An NFL Mascot’s Salary Shouldn’t Be The Only Reason You Want The Job
So you want to be an NFL Mascot. It’s a job that brings joy to millions of team fans, and you get to be right in the middle of the action. But is it a job that is going to really pay your bills?
Most NFL teams have team mascots except for the Raiders, Packers, Jets, and Giants.
By accepting a job with the right team and collecting annual bonuses, you can not only inspire stadiums full of fans to stand up and cheer for the home team, you can also clear a decent amount of money for less than half a year worth of work each season.
How Much Do Mascots Earn?
The actual salary for NFL team mascots is up for debate. Net worth website TheRichest estimates that NFL teams will pay between $23,000 to $65,00 per season based on 2013 numbers.
The Chicago Tribune was confident that teams were paying an average of just $25,000 per year.
However, many teams will provide yearly bonuses to mascots, typically based on whether or not their team makes it to the playoffs and whether they win the Super Bowl.
A Super Bowl win can easily turn a $50,000 salary into a $75,000 or $100,000 earning bracket.
What About The Benefits?
This question really depends on the employment agreement the team has with the mascot. Some teams treat mascots as regular club employees which entitles them to health insurance, 401K plans, and other team benefits.
Many mascots ask for health insurance above all other benefits because of the physically demanding job they are working for the team.
Do NFL Mascots Earn Fair Pay?
MLB and NBA mascots are better paid, often earning between $50,000 and $100,000 per year.
Keep in mind that MLB teams play in 162 games each season and the NBA has a 82 games. In comparison, NFL teams have just 16-games per a 17 week season. That means NFL mascots are motivating fans for far fewer games.
How Do I Become An NFL Mascot?
The mascot is a highly physical job and you must prove through auditions that you are the best performer for the position.
Mascots need to be athletic, physically coordinated, and able to create entertaining choreography and routines that enthrall fans.
Some hopeful mascots will even attend a mascot boot camp to hone their skills.
At the end of the day, becoming an NFL mascot can pay a decent salary for less than half a year worth of work. At the same time, it is a physically demanding job and there are always other people who are auditioning and attempting to take away your prized position with your favorite NFL team.
If you don’t like your current job, try out for your team’s next open position. If nothing else, you will have some amazing sideline views as you entertain your fellow team fans.
