If you’ve ever wondered how much caddies make or wanted to understand the average caddie salary in different countries, this comprehensive guide is for you.
We explore the golf caddie income landscape across the UK, Ireland, United States, Spain, and Portugal, including day-rate caddies, full-time resort staff, and high-earning tour-level professionals.
We also cover how tipping, seasonal demand, employment models, and club type affect earnings - helping you get a clear picture of real-world golf caddie wages in 2025.
What Is the Average Golf Caddie Salary?
Golf caddies are typically paid per round or per loop - with income made up of a base fee plus tips. In some high-end resorts or private clubs, caddies are paid hourly or salaried. At the top of the pyramid, tour caddies earn a fixed base rate plus a share of a player’s winnings.
Depending on location, employment type, and level of experience, total income ranges from part-time seasonal earnings to six-figure annual pay at the elite level.
What Affects Take-Home Pay?
Club Type
- Private and resort clubs typically pay more than public or municipal courses.
- Resorts with mandatory caddie programs offer the most consistent and lucrative opportunities.
- Public courses may only use caddies for special events or not at all.
Employment Status
- Employed caddies receive hourly or fixed wages, usually with limited or no tips.
- Self-employed (freelance) caddies are paid per round and rely heavily on gratuities.
- Freelancers often earn more per round but must cover their own insurance, travel, and downtime.
Tipping Culture
- Tips can make up 30-60% of a caddie’s income.
- In the U.S., tipping is common and generous. In Europe, tips vary by country and golfer.
- Good service, repeat loops, and elite venues lead to higher tipping averages.
Seasonality
- Golf is seasonal in most regions. Northern climates (UK, Ireland, northern U.S.) have busy summers and quieter winters.
- Caddies in warm destinations (Florida, Algarve, Costa del Sol) may work nearly year-round.
Regional Demand
- Caddies in tourism-heavy or wealthier regions can charge more and earn more in tips.
- Places like the Algarve, Costa del Sol, Florida, and the Scottish links courses attract high-paying tourists.
Level of Play (Tour vs Club)
- Tour caddies are typically paid weekly plus a percentage of player winnings.
- At the elite level, this can result in six-figure or even seven-figure incomes.
United Kingdom
- Day-rate club caddie: £50-£100 per round (including tip)
- Full-time (busy season estimate): £15,000-£25,000+
- Tour caddie: £1,000-£2,000/week + 5-10% of winnings
Tip culture: Tipping is expected, often 20-30% on top of the base caddie fee.
Employment: Most UK caddies are freelancers, paid directly by the golfer. Some may pay a small admin fee to the club per loop.
Seasonality: The season peaks April-September. Winter opportunities are limited unless at year-round clubs.
What else affects pay:
- High-end Scottish links (St Andrews, Carnoustie) offer premium fees and tips.
- Caddies who build rapport with regular players can secure more consistent work.
Ireland
- Day-rate caddie (resort): €60-€95 per round
- Full-time (busy season estimate): €15,000-€25,000+
- Tour caddie: €2,000+/week + share of winnings
Tip culture: Similar to the UK - 20-30% is typical.
Employment: Caddies are generally independent contractors, especially at top links clubs and resorts.
Seasonality: High between May and October. Many caddies reduce hours or find alternative work in winter.
What else affects pay:
- Courses like Lahinch, Ballybunion, Portmarnock, and Doonbeg attract international golfers with higher tipping expectations.
- Tourists driving golf travel boost income, especially along the Wild Atlantic Way.
United States
- Club/resort caddie: $50-$100 per round + $20-$50 tip
- Full-time club caddie (annual): $30,000-$60,000
- Tour caddie: $1,500-$3,000/week + 5-10% of winnings
Tip culture: The U.S. has the strongest tipping culture - often $20+ per bag per round.
Employment:
- Some clubs hire caddies as employees, paying hourly (e.g. $25/hour).
- Others use freelance systems via vendors like CaddieMaster or direct arrangements.
Seasonality: Southern states (Florida, Arizona, California) offer near year-round work. Northern clubs peak May-October.
What else affects pay:
- Caddies at elite private clubs (Pine Valley, Augusta) or resorts (Bandon Dunes) earn significantly more than those at municipal courses.
- Tour caddies can earn six figures, but depend heavily on player performance.
Spain
- Day-rate caddie (resort): €30-€50 per round + tips
- Full-time seasonal estimate: €10,000-€20,000
- Tour caddie: €2,000+/week + % of winnings
Tip culture: Less consistent than in the U.S. or UK. Tips range €5-€20 depending on the golfer.
Employment: Caddies are nearly always freelance and booked by the club or golfer directly.
Seasonality: Spring and autumn are peak, especially in coastal resorts. Summer can be hot but busy with tourists.
What else affects pay:
- Costa del Sol, Marbella, and Canary Islands see the highest volume and best pay.
- Municipal courses rarely offer caddying, so resort work dominates.
Portugal
- Day-rate caddie (Algarve): €50-€80 per round
- Full-time estimate (peak season): €10,000-€20,000
- Tour caddie: €2,000+/week + winnings share
Tip culture: Stronger in resorts with international clientele. Tips often €10-€20 or more.
Employment: Most caddies are freelancers, particularly in the Algarve. Paid directly by golfers.
Seasonality: Spring and autumn are especially busy. Winter golf tourism allows for year-round income in the Algarve.
What else affects pay:
- The Algarve is Portugal’s caddie hub due to year-round play and tourist demand.
- Lisbon and inland courses offer fewer opportunities.
Why Do Caddies in the US Earn More?
Tipping Culture
Golfers in the U.S. tip more generously and consistently - often 20-50% on top of the fee.
Club Model
Private clubs and high-end resorts often have mandatory caddie programs and employ more full-time caddies.
More Loops Per Day
US caddies often carry double bags and work two loops per day, increasing earning potential.
Higher Green Fees
Green fees are higher, especially at private and resort clubs, which increases both base rates and expectations for tipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do caddies make per round?
UK: £50-£100
Ireland: €60-€95
US: $50-$100
Spain: €30-€50
Portugal: €50-€80
How much do caddies make per year?
UK/Ireland: £15k-£25k or €15k-€25k (seasonal)
US: $30k-$60k for club caddies, six figures possible for tour caddies
Portugal/Spain: €10k-€20k, depending on tourist volume
Do caddies get paid hourly or per round?
Most caddies are paid per round, especially in Europe. In some U.S. clubs, caddies are paid hourly (e.g. $25/hour) with no tips.
How much should I tip a caddie?
UK/Ireland: 20-30% of the fee
US: $20-$50 per bag
Europe: €10-€20 depending on service level and local culture
What do tour caddies earn?
Base: $1,500-$3,000/week
Bonus: 5-10% of player winnings
Top tour caddies can earn over $250k-$500k/year with a successful player.
Do caddies work all year round?
In warmer climates (e.g. Algarve, Florida, Costa del Sol), yes. In colder areas (UK, Ireland, northern US), most work is seasonal.
Can caddying be a full-time career?
Yes. Many caddies work full-time during peak months, and some elite resort or tour caddies work year-round and earn well above the national average wage.
Golf caddies play a vital role in the game, offering tactical advice, support, and insight round after round. Their income is shaped by location, tipping culture, skill, and the quality of the golfer-caddie relationship.
While caddie salary ranges vary by region and season, those who work in high-end resorts or on tour can earn excellent money - especially when tips or performance bonuses are involved.
If you're already working in golf or looking to break in, caddying offers a flexible, mobile, and potentially lucrative route into the industry.
Interested in becoming a caddie?
If you’re inspired by the earning potential, lifestyle, or flexibility of caddying, the next step is to understand how to break into the profession.
From qualifications and personal traits to networking and getting your first loop, our full guide explains exactly how to start your journey.
👉 Read our step-by-step guide on how to become a golf caddie
Whether you’re looking for seasonal work, a part-time job at your local club, or a pathway to a full-time golf career, it’s a great place to start.