Baseball is America’s favorite pastime, and every year millions of fans flock to stadiums around the country to watch their favorite teams play. Similarly, millions of people tune in to watch the games on television, and part of the reason for this is because of the impressive commentary that is provided by the broadcasters. One of the most important members of a broadcast team is the local Major League Baseball (MLB) announcer. So how much do local MLB announcers make?
Announcer Salaries
The salary of a local MLB announcer depends on a variety of factors, such as the size of the market and the network that is carrying the game. Broadcasters working in the largest markets, such as New York and Los Angeles, can make up to $1 million per year. Those in smaller markets, such as Milwaukee and Kansas City, may make considerably less.
In general, local MLB announcers make an average of $50,000 to $100,000 per year. This is a significant pay cut compared to the salaries of top-tier announcers, such as Joe Buck and Bob Costas, who make upwards of $5 million a year.
MLB Announcer Bonuses
In addition to their base salaries, MLB announcers can also make money from bonuses. Bonuses are typically awarded for good performance or for taking on additional responsibilities. Bonuses can range from a few thousand dollars to several hundred thousand.
In addition to bonuses, some MLB announcers may also receive free tickets to games, merchandise discounts, or even free travel to away games. These perks are typically reserved for the top-tier announcers, but they can help increase a broadcaster’s overall salary.
Career Paths
Most MLB announcers begin their careers at the minor league level. This is an important step as it gives them the opportunity to hone their skills and learn the intricacies of the game. Once they have gained some experience, they can then move up to the major league level.
The road to becoming an MLB announcer is not an easy one. It requires hard work, dedication, and a lot of luck. Those who have the right combination of talent and persistence have the best chance of success.
Conclusion
Local MLB announcers make an average of $50,000 to $100,000 per year, with those in the largest markets making the most. Bonuses and other perks may also be available for top-tier announcers. It is important to note that being an MLB announcer is not an easy job, and it requires a great deal of hard work and dedication. Those who possess the right combination of talent and determination have the best chance of success.