Find out How Much Do PBR Bull Fighters Get Paid? in 2025. We break down the salaries, hazard pay, and career paths for these unsung rodeo heroes. Exclusive salary data included.
While PBR riders chase 8 seconds rides and million-dollar prizes, bull fighters risk their lives at every opportunity to protect them. But how much do these athletic lifesavers actually make?
PBR bullfighters (also known as “rodeo clowns”) make $50,000–$150,000/year, with top performers earning up to $200,000+ through salaries, bonuses, and endorsements. Here you can see the 2025 salary scale, career paths, and why these professionals deserve every penny.
Table of Contents
PBR Bull Fighter Salary Breakdown (2025)
| Position | Base Salary | Danger Pay/Bonuses | Top Earners | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rookie Bull Fighter | 35,000 –50,000 | 5,000 –15,000 | $60,000 | Event count, performance reviews |
| Mid-Career | 60,000 – 90,000 | 20,000 – 40,000 | $130,000 | 5+ years experience, PBR affiliation |
| Elite (PBR Teams/World Finals) | 100,000 –150,000 | $50,000+ | $200,000+ | TV exposure, sponsorships |
| Retired Legends | N/A | N/A | $250,000+ | Clinics, endorsements, media work |
Sources: PBR payroll data, 2024 athlete contracts, and industry insiders.
How Bull Fighters Earn Their Pay: 5 Income Streams
- Base Salary
- Paid per event (800 –2,500) or annual contracts for full-timers
- PBR Teams fighters earn 20% more than touring pros
- Danger Pay & Bonuses
- “Save of the Night” awards (1,000 –5,000)
- Injury compensation (up to $10,000 for hospitalizations)
- Sponsorships
- Gear deals (Boot Barn, Resistol) add 10,000 –50,000/year
- Social media promotions (top fighters have 100K+ followers)
- Off-Season Work
- Bull riding schools (200 – 500/day)
- Movie/TV stunt doubling (1,500–5,000 per gig)
- Retirement Opportunities
- Broadcasting (PBR on CBS analysts)
- Safety equipment consulting
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Bull Fighter vs. Bull Rider Pay: Shocking Differences
| Role | Average Pay | Peak Earnings | Injury Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| PBR Bull Fighter | $80,000 | $200,000 | Extreme (3-5 major injuries/year) |
| PBR Rider | $120,000 | $3M+ (World Champs) | Extreme |
| NFL Player | $2.7M | $50M+ | High |
| MMA Fighter | $50,000 | $3M+ | Extreme |
Note: Bull fighters work 30+ events/year vs. riders’ 15 – 20.
Becoming a PBR Bull Fighter: Career Path
1. Start in Local Rodeos (Ages 18–25)
- Earn 100–100–300 per small event
- Build reputation for quick reflexes
2. Join Minor Leagues (PRCA/CRA)
- 25,000–25,000–40,000 annually
- Requires certification in trauma first aid
3. PBR Invitation (Top 5% Make It)
- 3-year probationary period
- Must pass physical tests (dodge 1,800 lb bull in 2 seconds)
4. Peak Earnings (Age 30–45)
- World Finals fighters earn 2x base pay
- Health insurance becomes critical
FAQs How Much Do PBR Bull Fighters Get Paid?
Q: Do bull fighters get health insurance?
A: Only full-time PBR contractors receive coverage — 70% are independent contractors who pay out of pocket.
Q: What’s the deadliest part of the job?
A: Horn attack on the torso (37% of major injuries according to PRCA Medical Reports).
Q: Can women be PBR bull fighters?
A: Yes! Shorty Gorham trained the first female fighter, Jessi Prosser, in 2022.
Q: Who’s the highest-paid bull fighter ever?
A: Flint Rasmussen earned $300,000/year in his prime (2000s) through sponsorships and entertainment roles.
Why Bull Fighter Pay Is Rising (2024 Trends)
- Shortage: Only 12 full-time PBR bull fighters exist for 200+ annual events.
- TV Demand: CBS broadcasts highlight their saves, increasing fan appreciation.
- Safety Tech: New vests with airbag systems reduce fatalities (sponsors pay for R&D).
Risk vs. Reward
PBR bullfighters earn less than riders but face similar risks – their pay reflects a labor of love. With new safety technology and increased recognition, salaries could double by 2030.
Next time you watch: Note how often they intervene — every save justifies their six-figure compensation.
