This year the average MLS player made $345,867. That is a lot of money! However, it is important to remember that MLS is a relatively new league. In contrast, the average Premier League player made $3.8 million in 2025.
The highest-paid MLS player is Atlanta United’s Miguel Almiron, who makes $2.3 million per year. Almiron is followed by Toronto FC’s Michael Bradley ($6 million per year) and the Seattle Sounders’ Nicolas Lodeiro ($2.5 million per year).
While MLS players do not make as much money as their counterparts in Europe, they are still paid very well. And, with the popularity of soccer continuing to grow in the United States, it is likely that MLS player salaries will continue to rise in the years to come.
Toronto FC pays the best in the MLS, while Nashville SC pays the least. The average player salary in the MLS is $312,470, and the average yearly wage bill for all the players in a team is $8,170,454. These figures show a large disparity between the two clubs. It will be interesting to see how this affects their performances on the pitch.
Here is how much do MLS players make by each team
| Team | Average Annual Salary | Yearly Wage Bill |
| 1. Toronto FC | $928,477 | $26,925,850 |
| 2. LA Galaxy | $581,250 | $14,544,000 |
| 3. Atlanta United FC | $452,500 | $9,507,000 |
| 4. Portland Timbers | $421,250 | $11,780,000 |
| 5. Los Angeles FC | $387,250 | $9,294,000 |
| 6. Columbus Crew SC | $385,388 | $10,405,500 |
| 7. New York City FC | $384,500 | $9,588,000 |
| 8. Sporting KC | $369,250 | $9,971,000 |
| 9. Seattle Sounders FC | $367,500 | $9,178,500 |
| 10. New England Revolution | $366,500 | $9,529,000 |
| 11. Orlando City SC | $339,925 | $8,838,000 |
| 12. San Jose Earthquakes | $288,050 | $8,642,000 |
| 13. Real Salt Lake | $287,800 | $8,634,000 |
| 14. Philadelphia Union | $261,200 | $6,525,000 |
| 15. New York Red Bulls | $242,250 | $6,783,000 |
| 16. Inter Miami CF | $240,000 | $6,487,000 |
| 17. Minnesota United FC | $238,560 | $5,750,000 |
| 18. Colorado Rapids | $230,925 | $6,235,000 |
| 19. Montreal Impact | $230,250 | $6,645,000 |
| 20. FC Dallas | $225,750 | $5,192,000 |
| 21. DC United | $219,400 | $5,924,500 |
| 22. Vancouver Whitecaps FC | $187,300 | $5,432,000 |
| 23. Nashville SC | $168,300 | $5,050,000 |
What is the Available Money to Spend on a Soccer Team’s Roster in MLS?
The new MLS CBA deal covers 2021 to 2027. During that time, the available spend on the roster will increase each year from the projected additional revenue the league will bring in each season. The available spend on rosters includes the salary budget, general allocation money, and discretionary TAM.
This means that teams will have more money to spend on players as the years go on! In 2021, the available money will be $9.225 million. In 2022, it will be $9.325 million, and so on. So if you’re a soccer fan and want to see your favorite team add some big names to their roster, keep an eye on the MLS CBA negotiations!
What is the minimum pay for a player?
The minimum salary for a player in the MLS is a respectable $81,375. However, this amount will increase to $125,875 by 2027. This makes playing in the MLS an attractive option for many aspiring athletes. Reserve roster players also have a solid minimum salary of $63,547. Consequently, the MLS is a league worth considering for any player looking to make a good living.
What is the Maximum Non-Designated MLS Salary?
The maximum salary for a non-designated player on the senior roster spot is $612,500 in the 2022 season.
List of the highest earners in the league:
Some of the top-earning soccer players in MLS are listed below.
- Carlos Vela: Makes $6.3 Million playing for the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) in 2022.
- Javier Hernandez: Makes $6 Million playing for LAFC
- Gonzalo Higuaín: Makes $5.57 Million for Miami CF
- Alejandro Pozuelo: Makes $4.69 Million for Toronto FC
- Luiz Araujo: Makes $3.9 Million for Atlanta United
Conclusion
So there you have it! MLS players may not make as much money as their European counterparts, but they are still paid very well. With the popularity of soccer on the rise in the United States, it is likely that MLS player salaries will continue to increase in the years to come. Thanks for reading!
