When you’re watching a high-stakes Sunday night matchup, it’s easy to focus only on the $200 million quarterback or the receiver making a gravity-defying catch. But if you look closely at the sidelines, past the coaches with their headsets and the massive cooling fans, you’ll see them. The "waterboys."
People joke about it. They think of Bobby Boucher from that 90s Adam Sandler movie. Honestly, though? The reality of the job is a world away from the Hollywood caricature.
If you’ve ever wondered how much does a waterboy make in the nfl, the answer isn't just a simple hourly wage. It’s a mix of a solid paycheck, insane perks, and a level of stress that would make most office workers quit by halftime. We’re talking about a role that has evolved into a specialized entry point for sports medicine and professional athletic training.
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The Paycheck: Breaking Down the Numbers
Let's get straight to the cash. For a job that sounds like something a middle schooler does for free, the pay is surprisingly decent.
The average NFL waterboy makes roughly $53,000 per year.
Now, don't go quitting your day job just yet. This number can fluctuate quite a bit. Entry-level guys might start closer to $35,000, while veterans who have been with a franchise for a decade—and yes, people stay in these roles for a long time—can see that figure climb toward $60,000 or more.
If you break that down, it’s about $600 to $1,200 a week. Not bad for being three feet away from Patrick Mahomes, right? But here’s the kicker: it’s rarely just a "waterboy" job. In the modern NFL, these individuals are officially titled "Hydration Assistants" or "Equipment Interns." They are often part of the training staff, which means that $53k is covering a lot more than just squeezing a plastic bottle.
It’s Not Just About H2O
Calling these guys waterboys is kinda like calling a flight attendant a "soda pourer." It’s technically part of the job, but it misses the entire point.
On a Tuesday in October, while you’re at your desk, an NFL hydration assistant is at the team facility by 6:00 AM. They aren't just filling jugs. They’re:
- Prepping specific electrolyte mixes tailored to individual player needs.
- Managing thousands of pounds of equipment and laundry.
- Assisting the medical staff with taping ankles or setting up physical therapy bays.
- Setting up and tearing down practice fields in freezing rain or 100-degree heat.
Most of the people in these roles aren't just fans who got lucky. A huge chunk of them hold degrees in sports science, athletic training, or kinesiology. They’re using this "waterboy" gig as a residency. It’s a foot in the door. If you want to be a head trainer in the NFL one day, you usually start by hauling Gatorade.
The Perks (Or Why People Fight for These Jobs)
If the $53,000 salary doesn't blow your hair back, the benefits might. This is where the job goes from "cool gig" to "dream career."
First off, the gear. NFL teams are sponsored to the teeth. If you work for the Eagles or the Cowboys, you’re basically walking around in $2,000 worth of team-issued Nike or Jordan apparel that you didn't pay a dime for. Then there’s the travel. You’re on the charter flights. You’re staying in five-star hotels. You’re eating the same high-end catering the players eat.
But the real "holy grail" perk? The Super Bowl.
If a team wins the Super Bowl, the owner usually buys rings for the entire organization. That includes the equipment staff and the hydration assistants. Imagine making $55k a year and owning a diamond-encrusted ring worth $30,000. It happens.
How Do You Actually Get the Job?
You can't just walk up to the stadium and ask for a bucket. It’s incredibly competitive.
Most teams hire through their Athletic Training or Equipment departments. They look for students currently enrolled in relevant college programs. If you don't have a connection or a background in sports med, your chances are basically zero.
Networking is everything here. A lot of these spots are filled by word-of-mouth or through university partnerships. It’s a "who you know" league.
The Reality Check
Before you go updating your resume, remember that the "NFL waterboy" lifestyle is exhausting. You’re the first one in and the last one out. During a game, you’re sprinting. You have to be invisible but always present. If a player gets a cramp because you weren't ready with the fluids, that’s on you.
It’s a high-pressure environment where "good enough" doesn't exist. You’re part of a billion-dollar machine.
Next Steps for Aspiring Sideline Pros:
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- Check the Team Career Portals: Every NFL team has a "Careers" or "Employment" link at the bottom of their official website. Look for "Equipment Internships" or "Training Assistant" roles.
- Focus on the Degree: If you’re serious about this, look into CAATE-accredited athletic training programs. That’s the gold standard for getting noticed by pro scouts.
- Start Local: High schools and small colleges always need help. Building a "hydration resume" at the local level is the only way to prove you can handle the logistics of a pro sideline.
The money is solid, the view is the best in the house, but the work is what keeps you there. If you're okay with 80-hour weeks and being "the help" for the most famous athletes on earth, it might just be the best job in sports.