How much do bodybuilders make?

You can think of them along the same lines as an MMA fighter. They are paid based on their winnings and rankings. Competitions are necessary for a bodybuilder to make any money. For this reason, it is also important to take into account all of the factors and costs associated with competing.

In 2021, Mr. Olympia winner Mamdouh "Big Ramy" Elssbiay won $400,000. The remaining winners were as follows:

• Brandon Curry - $150,000

• Hadi Choopan - $100,000

• Hunter Labrada - $40,000

• Nick Walker - $35,000

Contestants placing in 6th place or higher did not get any prize money from the Olympia competitions. The prize money looks significant. And after all, who doesn't want $400,000, right? However, this doesn't take into account the costs of being a top-level bodybuilder.

First off, bodybuilders are paying for supplements and nutrition. It is also important to remember that if you're competing in Olympia, you are not able to compete in other competitions throughout the year due to the physical demands of competition prep. Travel costs, daily living, and other bodybuilding costs must also be taken into account.

One of the ways that bodybuilders try and make up for the lack of salary is through sponsorships. This can come from supplement companies, magazines, or other content outlets. In some cases, these are tied to contest performance. In other cases, it involves things like social media presence, marketability, and the commitment of the bodybuilder.

While it is difficult to gauge the earning potential through sponsorship opportunities, they can be quite lucrative. Phil Health made around 2 to 3 times as much from his sponsorships and work with 3rd party businesses as he earned through his 7 Mr. Olympia wins.