If you’ve ever watched a Sunday night game and seen a guy sprinting out to give Patrick Mahomes a squirt of Gatorade, you’ve probably wondered about their life. It looks like the ultimate cheat code. You get the best seat in the house, you’re literally inches from the action, and you get to hang out with superstars. But then the reality check hits. Is it a real job? Do they actually make enough to live on?
The answer is yes. Honestly, they probably make more than you think.
When people ask how much does the waterboy get paid in the nfl, they’re usually expecting to hear it’s a volunteer gig or maybe a minimum wage internship for a college kid. That’s not really the case anymore. In 2026, the "waterboy" isn't just a kid with a bucket. They are part of a highly coordinated athletic training and equipment staff.
The Numbers: What an NFL Waterboy Actually Earns
Let's get straight to the cash. For most entry-level "hydration assistants"—which is the fancy corporate term the league prefers—the starting pay kicks in around $35,000 per year.
But that’s just the floor.
If you’ve been with a team for a few seasons or you’ve moved into a lead role within the equipment department, that number jumps. Most established NFL waterboys are pulling in an average salary of $53,000 to $60,000 annually.
It’s decent money. It’s not "buy a mansion in Miami" money, but for a job that involves being on the sidelines of the Super Bowl, it’s a solid living.
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Why the Pay Varies So Much
You’ve gotta realize that the NFL isn’t one big monolithic employer when it comes to staff. Each of the 32 teams is its own business. A waterboy for the Dallas Cowboys might have a different contract structure than someone working for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Location matters too. If you’re living in a high-cost city like San Francisco or New York, the team might adjust the stipend or salary to keep up with the local economy. In places like Barrow, Alaska (if the NFL ever played there), the pay would look much higher on paper just to cover the cost of a gallon of milk.
It’s More Than Just High-Quality H2O
The "Waterboy" name is kinda a lie.
In the modern NFL, these people are often aspiring athletic trainers or physical therapists. Many of them hold degrees in exercise science or sports medicine. They aren't just filling bottles; they are apprentices.
During a typical week, their schedule is brutal.
- Practice Days: They arrive hours before the players. They’re setting up hydration stations, hauling heavy equipment, and prepping the "fuel" (specialized electrolyte mixes) for specific players.
- Injury Support: You’ll often see them helping with taping ankles or handing off medical supplies to the head trainers.
- The Sideline Sprint: During games, they have to be invisible. If a waterboy trips a ref or gets in the way of a play, their job is likely over. It’s high-pressure.
The Perks Nobody Talks About
The base salary is one thing, but the "hidden" compensation is where the job gets really interesting. Most fans would trade their left arm for the benefits package these guys get.
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First, there are the Super Bowl rings.
If a team wins the championship, the organization usually receives a set number of rings (around 150) paid for by the league. However, teams almost always buy extra rings for their support staff. While a waterboy’s ring might not have as many diamonds as the quarterback’s, it’s still a piece of jewelry worth five figures.
Then there’s the gear.
You get the official Nike team apparel. You get the shoes. You get the specialized cold-weather gear that costs a fortune at the Pro Shop. Most waterboys basically never have to buy clothes again.
Free Travel and Networking
You’re on the private team charter. You’re staying in the same five-star hotels as the players. For a 23-year-old sports management grad, the networking opportunities are insane. You’re rubbing shoulders with billionaire owners, high-level agents, and the most famous athletes on the planet.
How Do You Actually Get the Job?
Don't expect to see a "Waterboy Wanted" sign on LinkedIn.
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Most of these spots are filled through nepotism or very specific university pipelines. A lot of teams have long-standing relationships with certain college athletic training programs. If you want in, you usually start as an unpaid (or low-paid) intern during training camp.
If you survive the 14-hour days in the August heat without complaining, you might get invited back for the regular season.
The Reality of the "Dream Job"
Is it worth it?
If you love football, yes. But it’s a grind. You’re the first one in and the last one out. You’re hauling heavy Gatorade coolers in the pouring rain or sub-zero temperatures. You’re dealing with high-strung athletes who might not always be "polite" when they’re losing by 20 points in the fourth quarter.
But at the end of the day, you’re part of the team. When the clock hits zero and the confetti falls, you’re out there on the field too.
Next Steps for Aspiring Sideline Staff
If you’re serious about getting onto an NFL sideline, stop looking for "waterboy" listings. Instead, focus on these three paths:
- Get Certified: Pursue a degree in Athletic Training (not just "Gym"). Most teams require their sideline support to have some medical knowledge.
- The PFATS Route: Check out the Professional Athletic Trainers Society (PFATS). They handle the official internship program for the NFL.
- Local Networking: Start at the high school or D3 college level. The equipment managers in the NFL all know each other, and a recommendation from a lower-level coach is often the only way to get your resume looked at.
The pay might not make you rich, but the experience is something you can't buy.