Average Rodeo Cowboy Earnings

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If you have been dreaming about becoming a professional rodeo cowboy, you may be wondering how much money a professional in this line of work can actually make. Some professionals who you may know may earn a sizable income, and others may seem to be barely making it. With a closer look at the average earnings of a rodeo cowboy, you may more easily be able to determine if this is a line of work that you want to get started in.

Professional or Amateur Events

It is important to note that average rodeo cowboy overall earnings vary considerably based on two main things, skill level and time commitment. Generally, cowboys who participate in rodeo events must qualify at the amateur level to compete in professional events. This means that they must perform at a certain level before they can even compete for the larger prizes and awards at the professional events.

Skills are very important, and you must be able to perform well at almost every event you participate in if you want to earn a livable income. The reality is that the larger majority of cowboys and cowgirls heading down the rodeo road do not make much money on a consistent basis. You have to be ready to jump in with both feet and dedicate your life to this in order for it pay off accordingly.

Rodeo life on the road is not for the weak-hearted, it takes a lot of grit and determination (and I mean a lot), especially when you factor in the likeliness of being injured. But that is what makes the sport of rodeo so amazing! There is no other sport on this planet that can compare. It is the Wild Wild West out there, literally. Nevertheless, Cowboy Lifestyle Network encourages everyone to find what it is that they love and follow their dreams because that’s what we stand for.

Photo courtesy of Cowboy Lifestyle Network

The Number and Type of Events

It is also important to note that the type and amount of events that folks participate in as well that will determine the income. Those who are a member of the (PRCA) Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association or the (WPRA) Women’s Professional Rodeo Association can compete in different events than those in the (PBR) Professional Bull Riders or a smaller regional association. Some individuals are a member of multiple associations, and they may have skills that range from bull riding to calf roping to barrel racing.

Ultimately, being a rodeo cowboy is similar to many other types of jobs. If you work hard and if you have great skills, you can earn a better income. Generally, amateur rodeo participants may earn the equivalent of a part-time income, which may be close to $10,000 to $15,000 per year while professionals may earn much more. However, there is considerable variation in this based on numerous factors. If you want to make more money than the average rodeo cowboy, it is best to develop impressive skills in a variety of events so that you can compete more frequently and with better results at each event.

Stay tuned into Cowboy Lifestyle Network for all new updates with cowboys in the sport of rodeo across the globe. Click On’ and Hang On’!

Aaron Kuhl

Aaron Kuhl is a passionate advocate for the western lifestyle, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as Chief Operations Officer (COO) at Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN). Growing up as an Arizona native, with a mother who worked for Wrangler Western for over 30 years, Aaron was immersed in the cowboy culture from a young age. Aaron and his sister Heather grew up watching rodeos, as their grandfather and uncle were PRCA ProRodeo cardholders. This early exposure has given him a profound understanding and appreciation for the western way of life. Aaron went to Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, AZ, then to the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ, where he received a Bachelor of Science after creating his own major. This unique course of study wove together Business Marketing, Geography, Sociology, Philosophy, and Religion. After graduating from the University of Arizona, Aaron joined CLN in its nascent stages, contributing to its growth and development over the past decade. As COO, Aaron manages operations, using AI to streamline processes and analyze data, ensuring CLN remains a leading voice. With expertise in business development, he innovates and cultivates client relationships, supporting CLN’s exponential growth. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Aaron values his faith, family, and friends, which are the cornerstones of his life. This personal foundation, combined with his professional expertise, makes him a trusted and authoritative voice in the western lifestyle community. Aaron’s commitment to philanthropy is the bedrock of his personal ethos. He actively supports local Arizona organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, Chandler Compadres, Horses Help, Harris Brothers Charity Foundation, and the American Heart Association (among others), reflecting his dedication to giving back and strengthening the community he calls home. Through his work, Aaron aims to preserve and promote the traditions of the west, ensuring that the spirit of the cowboy lives on for future generations.