How Much Do NFL Sports Announcers Make?

NFL sports announcers make good money. But how much do they make? We break it down for you.

NFL Announcer Salaries

NFL announcers are some of the highest-paid announcers in all of sports. The average salary for an NFL announcer is $75,000 per year. However, some of the top announcers can make much more than that. For example, Jim Nantz, the lead play-by-play announcer for CBS, makes $5 million per year.

Averages

The average annual salary for NFL announcers is $75,000, according to a report from The Athletic. This figure is based on a survey of 12 NFL announcers who were asked to anonymously provide their salary information.

The highest-paid NFL announcer is Jim Nantz, who reportedly makes $5 million per year. The next highest-paid announcer is Joe Buck, who makes $3 million per year. Other top-earning NFL announcers include Al Michaels ($2 million), Cris Collinsworth ($1.5 million), and Mike Tirico ($1 million).

Top earners

The top earners in NFL broadcasting work for networks like ESPN, CBS, and FOX. These announcers make an annual salary of $5 million or more. The majority of these top earners are former NFL players who have transitioned into broadcasting.

-Mike Tirico: $5 million per year
-Jim Nantz: $5 million per year
-Tony Romo: $4 million per year
-Joe Buck: $3 million per year

How They Make Their Money

NFL sports announcers make a lot of money. In fact, they are some of the highest-paid individuals in the industry. NBA, NHL, and MLB broadcasters make significantly less money than their NFL counterparts. So, how do NFL sports announcers make their money?

Salary

The typical annual salary for an NFL play-by-play announcer is $75,000, according to a 2012 report fromSports Illustrated. Charley Steiner of ESPN, for example, earned $350,000 in 2009, the most recent year for which public records are available. The website Sportscastingpots.com pegsthe average salary for NFL color commentators at about $110,000 per year as of 2011.

NFL sideline reporters earn an average of $60,000 annually as of 2011, according to Sportscastingpots.com. Lisa Salters of ESPN was one of the highest-paid sideline reporters in 2009 when she earned $250,000.

Bonuses

In addition to their salary, NFL sports announcers may receive bonuses for working certain games or making an appearance on a pre-game or post-game show. For example, Al Michaels, the longtime play-by-play announcer for “Monday Night Football,” earned a $3 million bonus in 2006 when he called the game in which the New England Patriots set the NFL’s regular-season record with 16 wins.

Endorsements

In addition to their salary, NFL sports announcers may receive income from endorsements. This is especially true for those who work as studio commentators, where their on-camera persona may lead to commercial opportunities. For example, former NFL quarterback Troy Aikman has been an endorser for AT&T, Nike and many other brands. Likewise, broadcaster Phil Simms has also served as an endorser for multiple brands through the years. According to Forbes, the average NFL sports announcer earned $204,000 in 2014 from endorsements alone.

How to Become an NFL Announcer

Making it as an NFL announcer takes years of experience and a deep understanding of the game. So, how much do NFL sports announcers make? The answer may surprise you. While the exact salary will differ from announcer to announcer, the average salary for an NFL announcer is $75,000 per year.

Education

A bachelor’s degree is typically required for a career as an NFL announcer. Programs in broadcast journalism, communications and sports broadcasting are helpful, and internships at major radio and television stations are often part of the curriculum.

Courses in radio and television announcing, public speaking and dramatic arts also can be beneficial. Strong writing skills also are important, as announcers often must create their own material or help produce scripts for shows.

Experience

In order to become an NFL announcer, you will need to have a very extensive background in sports broadcasting. You should have worked as a play-by-play announcer or color commentator for at least 5 years at the collegiate or professional level. In addition, you should have a demo reel that showcases your best work. If you do not have a demo reel, you will not be considered for the job.

You will also need to be familiar with the NFL rules and regulations. You should be able to understand and communicate complicated plays to the viewers. In addition, you should be able to tell interesting stories about the players and teams that will keep the viewers engaged.

The most important thing that you will need in order to become an NFL announcer is a passion for the game of football. You should be able to talk about the game for hours without getting bored. You should also be able to get excited about even the most mundane aspects of the game. If you do not have a passion for football, you will not be able to become an NFL announcer.

Networking

No matter what career you want to pursue, networking is always going to play a pivotal role in your success. This is especially true in the sports industry, where many jobs are filled through personal connections. When it comes to becoming an NFL announcer, networking can give you a serious leg up on the competition.

That’s not to say that you can’t become an NFL announcer without any connections. But it will definitely make your path a lot easier if you have some relationships to lean on. So how do you go about networking in the world of sports?

First, start by attending as many sporting events as possible. This will give you an opportunity to meet people who work in all different aspects of the industry, from players and coaches to journalists and broadcast personnel. If you can make some connections and get your foot in the door, that’s half the battle.

Another great way to network is by participating in sports-related internships or entry-level jobs. These experiences will not only help you build your resume, but they’ll also give you a chance to meet people who could eventually help you land your dream job.

So if you’re serious about becoming an NFL announcer, start networking as soon as possible. It could be the key to helping you achieve your goal.