how much do us soccer players get paid
US soccer player pay varies a lot by league and level, but a useful snapshot is this: MLS players can make around $80,000 to $100,000+ at the low end, with many earning far more and top stars making millions, while USL players often make roughly $35,000 to $50,000 a year, sometimes with housing included.
By level
| Level | Typical pay |
|---|---|
| MLS | About $80,000 to $104,000 minimum for roster spots, with average compensation much higher and stars earning millions. | [3][1]
| USL Championship | Often about $35,000 to $50,000 per year, with some players reaching around $100,000 depending on role and club budget. | [1]
| USL League One / lower leagues | Usually lower than USL Championship, often closer to a few thousand dollars per month or per-season deals, depending on the club. | [4][1]
National team pay
U.S. menβs national team players are paid separately from club salaries, and World Cup compensation can be substantial under the current CBA. For the 2026 World Cup, reported payouts for U.S. Soccer players range from roughly $330,500 per player for a group-stage exit to about $961,538 per player if the team wins it all.
What this means
If you mean βa regular pro in the U.S.,β the answer is usually tens of thousands to low six figures in lower leagues, and six figures to millions in MLS. If you mean U.S. national team players, tournament bonuses can add a major extra paycheck on top of club salary.