Volleyball Player Salaries
How Much Do Volleyball Players Make
Summary: How Much Do Volleyball Players Make?
Volleyball salaries vary greatly depending on the country, league, and player skill level. Unlike other sports, volleyball does not have a fixed salary cap or minimum wage, meaning earnings can range from modest to multimillion-dollar contracts.
Volleyball Salaries in the United States
In the U.S., professional indoor volleyball players can earn anywhere from $64,000 to $175,000 per year, with some additional benefits. The Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF), established in 2025, offers top players base salaries up to $175,000, plus benefits valued at $10,000 annually.
For beach volleyball, the earnings depend on prize money, sponsorships, and tournament performance. Top beach players can earn up to $200,000 annually, while others may make between $19,910 and $187,200, with an average of $104,000 per year.
Volleyball Salaries in Europe and Asia
European leagues, particularly in Italy, Poland, and Russia, offer some of the highest salaries in the sport.
Top European players can earn between $100,000 and $1,000,000 per year.
Japan offers lower salaries, starting at $15,500 per year.
Russia sees higher wages, where some players earn up to 20 million rubles ($270,000) annually.
Philippines volleyball players make 150,000 to 200,000 pesos per month ($2,650 - $3,500).
Most volleyball players earn from two sources: salaries and competition fees and advertising contracts.
Highest-Paid Volleyball Players in the World
The highest-paid volleyball players are typically in top-tier European leagues. The top three highest-paid male players in 2024/25 are:
Wilfredo León (Cuba/Poland) – $1.4 million per season (Bogdanka LUK Lublin).
Ervin Ngapeth (France) – $1.35 million per season (Halkbank).
Bartosz Kurek (Poland) – $1.1 million per season (ZAKSA Kędzierzyn-Koźle).
In previous years, Chinese star Zhu Ting was the highest-paid player. In the 2018/19 season, she earned $1.5 million per year playing for Turkey’s Vakifbank TT.
Other Salary Estimates
Per month: Top Russian players earn 1.67 million rubles ($22,500) per month.
Per hour: Based on a $64,000 annual salary, a U.S. player could earn around $30 per hour.
Olympic players: They don’t receive direct salaries but increase their earnings through sponsorships and club contracts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the average salary of a professional volleyball player?
It varies by country. In the U.S., it's $64,000 - $80,096. In Europe, top players can earn $100,000 - $1,000,000 per year.
How much do top players make in Russia?
Up to 20 million rubles ($270,000) annually.
Is there a gender pay gap in volleyball?
Unlike other sports, volleyball has a smaller gender pay gap, with top male and female players earning similar salaries.
How do volleyball players earn besides salaries?
Through bonuses, commercial matches, and sponsorships.
How much do volleyball players earn in the Philippines?
Between 150,000 - 200,000 pesos ($2,650 - $3,500) per month.
What was Zhu Ting’s highest contract?
$1.5 million per year with Vakifbank TT (Turkey) in 2018/19.
Conclusion
Professional volleyball salaries vary based on league, skill level, and country. While U.S. players earn up to $175,000, European leagues pay significantly more, with top players making over $1 million per season. Beach volleyball players rely on prize money and sponsorships, while Olympic players use their success to boost market value. With growing leagues like the PVF, professional volleyball salaries are expected to rise.
Source: volleyball.com.ng
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