How Much Does A Professional Bowler Make? Everything You Should Know

If you’re a bowling fan or just someone looking to inquire into different career paths, it’s natural to wonder about the financial rewards of a profession.

So as a general estimate, how much do professional bowlers make?

According to reports, the average annual earnings for a professional bowler is around $40,000. However, top-performing bowlers can make significantly more than that, with some earning upwards of $1 million per year.

However, it greatly depends on several factors, such as the status of the competition, the bowler’s experience and skill, and their marketing and sponsorship deals.

From legends like Earl Anthony and Walter Ray Williams Jr. to modern-day stars like Jason Belmonte and Liz Johnson, I’ve seen firsthand the passion and dedication that goes into becoming a successful professional bowler.

While the financial rewards may not be as charming as other sports, the satisfaction of excelling in a sport you love is priceless. So let’s have a look on how much bowlers earn.

How Do Professional Bowlers Make Money?

Professional bowlers are some of the most skilled athletes in the world, and their devotion and hard work can pay off in more ways than just the satisfaction of knocking down all ten pins.

Here are some of the ways that professional bowlers make money:

Tournament Winnings

Professional bowlers make money by competing in various tournaments throughout the year.

These tournaments offer cash prizes for the winners, and the amount of money can vary depending on the tournament status and the placement of the bowler.

Sponsorship Deals

Just like other professional athletes, bowlers can also earn money through sponsorship deals with companies that want to promote their products.

These deals can include wearing branded clothing or using branded equipment during contests, as well as appearing in advertisements and other promotional materials.

Endorsements

In addition, some professional bowlers also earn money through endorsements.

This can include promoting products on social media or appearing in commercials for companies that are not necessarily related to the sport of bowling.

Coaching

Professional bowlers can also earn money by sharing their expertise with others.

This can include coaching other bowlers or hosting clinics and workshops to help aspiring junior bowlers improve their skills.

Pro Shops

Some professional bowlers also own or work at pro shops, which sell bowling equipment and provide other services such as drilling and fitting bowling balls.

This can be a lucrative source of income for those who have the knowledge and experience to help others with their equipment needs.

Top Professional Bowler Salaries

The highest-paid bowlers can earn over $1 million per year, with many earning six-figure salaries. That’s not too shabby for a sport that some might consider a mere pastime.

The table below shows earning of the top players in PBA Tour 2022.

Have you ever heard of the phrase, “rolling in the dough”? Well, in the world of professional bowling, it’s not just a saying – it’s a reality for the top players.

You might think that bowling is just a casual activity to do with buddies on a weekend, but for these professionals, it’s a full-time job that pays big bucks.

In fact, the top professional bowlers can earn salaries that would make many people’s jaws drop.

So what does it take to be a top professional bowler? It’s not just about having a good arm and a steady hand – it takes dedication, practice, and a competitive drive that never quits.

These players spend countless hours sharpening their skills, analyzing their technique, and studying their opponents in order to stay ahead of the game.

What Is The Average Payout of Professional Bowlers?

On average, professional bowlers earn around $30,000 to $40,000 per year. Now, that may not sound like a lot compared to some of the multi-million dollar contracts signed by other athletes, but consider this:

These bowlers have rubbed their skill over years of practice and dedication, and their success is measured not by the size of their paycheck, but by the number of strikes and spares they rack up on the lanes.

So, the next time you find yourself at the bowling alley, take a moment to appreciate the skill and determination of the professionals around you.

Remember that while they may not be earning a fortune, they are still among the best in the world at what they do.

Who Is The Highest Paid Bowler?

Walter Ray Williams Jr. is one of the most successful and highest-paid bowlers in history.

With a career spanning many years, Williams Jr. has left his mark on the world of professional bowling, racking up an impressive $5 million in earnings.

That’s right, you heard it correctly: $5 million! To put that in perspective, that’s enough to buy 1,000 diamond-studded bowling balls or take a luxurious trip around the world 125 times.

He also holds the all-time PBA tour career titles record at around 47, a feat that only a select few have been able to achieve.

And if that wasn’t impressive enough, Williams Jr. is also a competitive horseshoe pitcher, proving that his hand-eye coordination is truly unmatched.

How Much Do Bowlers Make From Sponsorship?

The amount of money that bowlers can make from sponsors can differ, depending on a number of factors such as the bowler’s level of success, popularity, and marketability, as well as the terms of their specific sponsorship deal.

Some may earn a few thousand dollars per year from smaller, local sponsorships, while others may earn hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars from major national or international brands.

For example, the most successful and well-known bowlers such as Jason Belmonte, Pete Weber, and Norm Duke have landed lucrative sponsorship deals with major companies such as Storm, Brunswick, and Ebonite, which can earn them significant amounts of money both in terms of base payments and performance incentives.

In addition to direct payments, sponsorship deals may also offer other benefits such as free equipment, travel and accommodation expenses for tournaments, and exposure through social media and other marketing channels.

How Much Do Pro Bowlers Make Per Tournament?

Well, it is not specific and decided by various factors but it most likely depends on the specific tournament status and the bowler’s level of success.

For example, on the PBA Tour, prize funds for tournaments can range from $50,000 to over $1 million, with the winner taking home a significant portion of the total prize money.

However, lower-placed finishers may earn only a few hundred dollars, or even nothing at all, depending on the number of participants and the tournament’s payout structure.

In general, more successful and experienced bowlers tend to earn more money per tournament, due to their higher finishing positions and the additional prize money awarded for making it through multiple rounds of competition.

According to the PBA Tour’s official website, the average earnings for the top 50 players in the 2022 season ranged from around $90,000 to over $300,000.

FAQs

What is the biggest prize money in bowling?

The biggest prize money in bowling is different for various tournaments or events. For example, the PBA World Championship can offers a total prize fund 300 thousands dollars, while the US Open can offer a prize fund of 100 thousand dollars.

Who us the richest pro bowler?

The richest pro bowler in terms of career earnings is currently Walter Ray Williams Jr., who has earned more than $5 million in revenue throughout his career. Other top earners in the sport include Jason Belmonte, Pete Weber, and Norm Duke.

How much a professional women bowlers make?

According to the Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA), the top-earning female bowler in 2022 earned over $90,000 in prize money alone, while the average earnings for the top 10 bowlers was around $40,000.

Winding Up

So what’s the conclusion, how much do professional bowlers make? Bowling is more than just a game; it’s a passion that can drive people to greatness.

For those who dream of going pro, love for the sport should always come first. While the allure of fame and fortune can be tempting, it’s the dedication and enthusiasm that separates the truly successful from the rest.

Unfortunately, the bowling scene has seen better days, with the glory days of the 60s and 70s seeming like a distant memory.

But that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. With the right mindset and a commitment to change, anything is possible.

That change starts today, with a renewed focus on the sport and a commitment to building a better future for bowling.

It won’t be easy, but with hard work and perseverance, we can make a difference and bring the sport back to the heights it once reached.

Thank You!