Did you know that Anthony Simonsen, the top professional bowler from 2020-2023, earned a whopping $1,037,930 over those four years? Thatโs right, bowling enthusiasts โ pro bowling isnโt just about turkeys and strikes, itโs a serious business with some serious cash on the line. But before you quit your day job and start practicing your hook shot, letโs dive into the real story behind professional bowler salaries.
The financial side of pro bowling is as complex as picking up a 7-10 split. Whether youโre a curious fan or an aspiring pro, understanding the money game in bowling is crucial. So, letโs explore the details of professional bowler earnings.
The Range of Professional Bowler Salaries
Professional bowling salaries can vary widely, from barely scraping by to earning comfortable six-figure incomes. The financial landscape of professional bowling is as diverse as the players themselves, with earnings influenced by numerous factors including skill level, tournament performance, and marketability. Letโs break down the different tiers of earners in the professional bowling world.
Top Earners in Professional Bowling
The cream of the crop in pro bowling can rake in some serious money. Weโre talking six-figure incomes that might surprise many people. According to recent data, the top professional bowlers earn between $250,000 to $300,000 annually.
Take Jason Belmonte, for instance. In the 2020 season alone, he pocketed nearly $300,000. And heโs not alone at the top. From 2020 to 2023, the top five earners in professional bowling were:
1. Anthony Simonsen โ $1,037,930
2. Jason Belmonte โ $996,350
3. Kyle Troup โ $991,250
4. EJ Tackett โ $851,745
5. Chris Prather โ $603,765
These numbers demonstrate the potential for high earnings at the pinnacle of the sport.
Average Earnings for PBA Tour Players
While the top earners make headlines, itโs important to look at the average earnings for a more realistic picture. Most full-time pros with PBA membership are looking at earnings between $45,000 to $50,000 a year from tournaments. This figure doesnโt include potential sponsorship deals, which can significantly boost a pro bowlerโs income.
To give you a clearer picture, hereโs a breakdown of estimated annual earnings for professional bowlers at different levels:
| Bowler Level |
Estimated Annual Earnings |
Main Income Sources |
| Top PBA Tour Pros |
$250,000 โ $300,000+ |
Tournament winnings, sponsorships, endorsements |
| Average PBA Tour Pros |
$45,000 โ $50,000 |
Tournament winnings, modest sponsorships |
| Women Pro Bowlers |
$30,000 โ $50,000 (average), up to $75,000+ (top performers) |
Tournament winnings, sponsorships |
| Regional Pros |
$5,000 โ $20,000 |
Regional tournament winnings, local sponsorships |
| Part-Time Pros |
$1,000 โ $10,000 |
Weekend tournaments, local leagues |
Remember, these are estimates and can vary widely based on performance, marketability, and other factors.
For a more detailed breakdown of professional bowler earnings and expenses, check out this informative video:
Women in Professional Bowling
Women in professional bowling face their own set of challenges and opportunities. On average, professional female bowlers earn between $30,000 to $50,000 annually. However, the top performers can earn anywhere from $75,000 to several hundred thousand dollars a year.
While thereโs still a gap compared to their male counterparts, womenโs bowling is seeing growth and increased opportunities. The sport has produced some incredible talent over the years, with many female bowlers leaving an indelible mark on the sport. To learn more about the legends of womenโs bowling, check out our article on the Top 5 Best Female Bowlers Of All Time.
Sources of Income for Professional Bowlers
Professional bowlers donโt just rely on tournament winnings to make a living. In fact, the most successful pros often diversify their income streams to create a more stable financial foundation. Letโs explore the various ways bowlers can monetize their skills and reputation in the industry.
Tournament Winnings and Prize Money
Tournament winnings are the primary source of income for most pro bowlers. Major tournaments can offer paydays ranging from $10,000 to over $100,000 for the winners. However, the catch is that you have to perform consistently well to cash in, and the competition is fierce.
Sponsorships and Endorsement Deals
For the most marketable players, sponsorships and endorsements can sometimes exceed tournament earnings. Ball manufacturers, clothing brands, and even bowling alleys are all potential sponsors. However, landing these deals requires not just skill on the lanes, but also charisma and marketability off them.
Coaching and Instructional Work
Many pros supplement their income by offering coaching services. This can include one-on-one lessons, clinics, or training camps. Sharing knowledge not only provides an additional income stream but also helps give back to the sport.
Pro Shop Ownership and Management
Some bowlers leverage their expertise by running pro shops. This business venture allows them to apply their knowledge of equipment and technique to help other bowlers while generating income.
Factors Influencing a Pro Bowlerโs Earnings
Several key factors determine a bowlerโs financial success. Understanding these elements is crucial for anyone considering a career in professional bowling or looking to improve their earning potential in the sport.
Skill Level and Tournament Performance
Consistently making cuts, reaching finals, and winning tournaments is the surest path to a higher income. The better a bowler performs, the more opportunities they have for higher earnings and sponsorships. But what exactly makes a great bowler? If youโre curious about What Skills Are Needed For Bowling?, weโve got you covered with an in-depth look at the essential abilities that set pro bowlers apart.
Marketability and Personal Brand
In todayโs digital age, being a great bowler isnโt always enough. Social media presence, personality, and overall image all play a part in attracting sponsors and fans. Some bowlers have found that their marketability off the lanes contributes significantly to their overall earnings.
Geographic Location and Available Opportunities
Where a bowler is based can make a difference. Some areas have more tournaments, better-paying leagues, and more coaching opportunities. This is why you often see clusters of pros in certain bowling hotspots.
Years of Experience in the Sport
Generally, the longer a bowler has been in the game, the more they can earn. Veteran status can lead to better sponsorships, more coaching gigs, and a higher profile in the bowling world. However, talent and hard work can also propel younger bowlers to high earnings early in their careers.
The Costs of Being a Professional Bowler
While we often focus on earnings, itโs equally important to consider the expenses associated with pursuing a career in pro bowling. These costs can significantly impact a bowlerโs net income.
Travel and Accommodation Expenses
Pro bowlers spend a significant amount of time on the road, incurring costs for flights, hotels, and rental cars. These expenses can quickly eat into tournament winnings.
Equipment and Maintenance Costs
Bowling equipment is a major expense for professionals. Hereโs a rough breakdown of what pro bowlers might spend on equipment annually:
| Equipment/Expense |
Estimated Annual Cost |
Notes |
| Bowling Balls |
$2,000 โ $4,000 |
8-16 balls per year at $250-$300 each |
| Shoes |
$200 โ $400 |
1-2 pairs of high-end shoes |
| Bags |
$200 โ $500 |
1-2 high-capacity roller bags |
| Accessories |
$300 โ $600 |
Tape, rosin bags, cleaning supplies, etc. |
| Ball Maintenance |
$500 โ $1,000 |
Resurfacing, plugging, re-drilling |
| Total |
$3,200 โ $6,500 |
Varies based on individual needs and preferences |
Training and Coaching Fees
Even professional bowlers invest in coaching to refine their technique or work on their mental game. This is an additional expense that can impact overall earnings.
Health and Fitness Expenses
While bowling might not seem as physically demanding as some sports, maintaining physical fitness is crucial. Costs for gym memberships, physical therapy, and dietary supplements are part of many pro bowlersโ budgets.
Comparing Pro Bowling Earnings to Other Sports
Professional bowling offers unique opportunities and challenges compared to other sports. While it may not have the massive contracts of major league team sports, it does provide a viable career path for dedicated athletes.
Bowling vs. Other Individual Sports
Compared to sports like golf or tennis, the earnings potential in bowling is generally more modest. However, the accessibility of the sport and the potential for a long career make it an attractive option for many athletes.
The Challenges of Making a Living in Bowling
Itโs important to note that professional bowlers operate as independent contractors. Unlike team sports athletes, they donโt receive guaranteed contracts. This means theyโre responsible for their own travel expenses, living costs, and tournament entry fees, unless covered by sponsorship deals. This setup can make financial planning a real challenge for many pros.
The Future of Professional Bowling Earnings
As with many sports, professional bowling is evolving in the digital age. New opportunities are emerging that could significantly impact how much pro bowlers can earn.
Emerging Opportunities in the Digital Age
Live streaming, online coaching, and digital content creation are all new avenues for bowlers to earn money and build their brand. These platforms allow bowlers to reach a wider audience and create additional income streams beyond traditional tournament play.
Potential Changes in Tournament Structures and Payouts
Thereโs ongoing discussion in the bowling world about how to make the sport more lucrative. Ideas like bigger tournaments, revised payout structures, and even team-based competitions are all being considered. These changes could potentially increase the earning potential for professional bowlers in the future.
Wrapping It Up
The world of professional bowling offers a unique blend of challenges and opportunities when it comes to earning a living. While the top earners can make impressive sums, the average pro bowler faces a more modest financial reality. Success in this field requires not just skill on the lanes, but also business acumen, marketability, and often, a diverse approach to income generation.
For those considering a career in professional bowling, itโs crucial to approach the sport with open eyes. Understanding both the potential rewards and the very real challenges is key to making an informed decision about pursuing bowling as a profession.
What are your thoughts on professional bowling as a career? Do you have any experiences or insights to share about making a living in the sport? Maybe youโre a pro bowler yourself or know someone who is? Weโd love to hear your perspective in the comments below. Your insights could be invaluable to others considering this path, and might even spark a thoughtful debate about the future of pro bowling earnings.
