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Jockey salary
Average jockey salary
$52,645
Average Jockey Salary
As of October 2025, the average salary for a jockey stands at $52,645 annually. However, this figure can vary widely, influenced by factors such as location, experience, and the specific race types. For instance, jockeys in states like California and New York tend to earn more due to the higher volume of racing opportunities and larger prize pools.
Where Can Jockeys Earn More?
Jockeys can find improved earning potential in regions with a thriving horse racing industry. States with a rich racing heritage often offer better salaries. For example, tracks in states like Kentucky and Florida frequently attract higher purses, allowing jockeys to earn more through competition.
Job Opportunities
Additionally, jockeys can explore different roles within the equine industry, such as trainers or exercise riders, which can also lead to increased earnings. Understanding the market and strategically choosing your location and role can enhance your career prospects as a jockey.
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Where can a Jockey earn more?
Jockey salary estimates from across the web
Average jockey salary by state
The highest-paying states for jockeys are Alaska, Utah, and North Dakota. The lowest average jockey salary states are Washington, Maine, and Idaho.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for jockeys
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Dakota | $66,126 | $31.79 |
| 2 | New Hampshire | $62,203 | $29.91 |
| 3 | Rhode Island | $63,210 | $30.39 |
| 4 | Connecticut | $62,834 | $30.21 |
| 5 | Utah | $69,246 | $33.29 |
| 6 | Vermont | $60,554 | $29.11 |
| 7 | Arizona | $61,087 | $29.37 |
| 8 | Oregon | $62,528 | $30.06 |
| 9 | Iowa | $58,711 | $28.23 |
| 10 | Nevada | $63,707 | $30.63 |
| 11 | Massachusetts | $62,838 | $30.21 |
| 12 | Ohio | $55,088 | $26.48 |
| 13 | Maryland | $58,837 | $28.29 |
| 14 | Alaska | $71,164 | $34.21 |
| 15 | California | $63,898 | $30.72 |
| 16 | Texas | $59,345 | $28.53 |
| 17 | New Jersey | $58,664 | $28.20 |
| 18 | Kansas | $58,390 | $28.07 |
| 19 | Louisiana | $54,039 | $25.98 |
| 20 | Delaware | $60,304 | $28.99 |
| 21 | New Mexico | $58,545 | $28.15 |
| 22 | Arkansas | $52,589 | $25.28 |
| 23 | New York | $58,398 | $28.08 |
| 24 | Georgia | $51,913 | $24.96 |
| 25 | Wyoming | $56,091 | $26.97 |
| 26 | South Dakota | $54,889 | $26.39 |
| 27 | District of Columbia | $58,276 | $28.02 |
| 28 | Montana | $57,093 | $27.45 |
| 29 | North Carolina | $52,629 | $25.30 |
| 30 | South Carolina | $51,409 | $24.72 |
| 31 | Virginia | $56,662 | $27.24 |
| 32 | Florida | $52,499 | $25.24 |
| 33 | Tennessee | $48,031 | $23.09 |
| 34 | Illinois | $52,489 | $25.24 |
| 35 | West Virginia | $46,571 | $22.39 |
| 36 | Pennsylvania | $45,377 | $21.82 |
| 37 | Oklahoma | $53,834 | $25.88 |
| 38 | Colorado | $47,423 | $22.80 |
| 39 | Hawaii | $56,452 | $27.14 |
| 40 | Mississippi | $44,648 | $21.47 |
| 41 | Kentucky | $44,625 | $21.45 |
| 42 | Wisconsin | $45,022 | $21.65 |
| 43 | Maine | $40,833 | $19.63 |
| 44 | Missouri | $44,965 | $21.62 |
| 45 | Nebraska | $45,933 | $22.08 |
| 46 | Indiana | $36,163 | $17.39 |
| 47 | Michigan | $39,343 | $18.91 |
| 48 | Minnesota | $41,524 | $19.96 |
| 49 | Alabama | $39,090 | $18.79 |
| 50 | Washington | $41,227 | $19.82 |
| 51 | Idaho | $39,648 | $19.06 |
Highest paying cities for jockeys
The highest-paying cities for jockeys are Salt Lake City, UT, Modesto, CA, and Houston, TX.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Salt Lake City, UT | $68,972 | $33.16 |
| 2 | Modesto, CA | $65,667 | $31.57 |
| 3 | Houston, TX | $59,226 | $28.47 |
| 4 | Hackensack, NJ | $59,020 | $28.38 |
| 5 | Elmont, NY | $58,625 | $28.19 |
| 6 | Ottumwa, IA | $58,337 | $28.05 |
| 7 | Hampton, VA | $56,735 | $27.28 |
| 8 | Grove City, OH | $54,349 | $26.13 |
| 9 | Greensboro, NC | $52,888 | $25.43 |
| 10 | Savannah, GA | $51,955 | $24.98 |
| 11 | Normal, IL | $51,590 | $24.80 |
| 12 | Memphis, TN | $48,266 | $23.20 |
| 13 | Aurora, CO | $47,414 | $22.80 |
| 14 | Bensalem, PA | $46,081 | $22.15 |
| 15 | Grand Rapids, MI | $38,956 | $18.73 |
| 16 | Plainfield, IN | $35,910 | $17.26 |
Jockey salary details
A jockey's salary ranges from $35,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $77,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a jockey's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $77,000 | $6,417 | $37 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,000 | $5,333 | $31 |
| Average | $52,645 | $4,387 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,000 | $3,500 | $20 |
| 10th Percentile | $35,000 | $2,917 | $17 |
Highest paying jockey jobs
The highest paying types of jockeys are karate black belt, disc jockey, and minor league baseball player.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athlete | $51,729 | $4,311 | $24.87 | 7,350 |
| Swimmer | $51,630 | $4,303 | $24.82 | 1,108 |
| Karate Black Belt | $83,649 | $6,971 | $40.22 | 1,621 |
| Yard Jockey | $44,440 | $3,703 | $21.37 | 3,910 |
| Disc Jockey | $54,894 | $4,574 | $26.39 | 1,991 |
Top companies hiring jockeys now:
Which companies pay jockeys the most?
Jockey salaries at HCSC and Perdue Farms are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average jockey salary at companies like Estes Express Lines and Mountaire Farms are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HCSC | $65,156 | $31.32 |
| 2 | Perdue Farms | $51,272 | $24.65 |
| 3 | Estes Express Lines | $51,211 | $24.62 |
| 4 | Mountaire Farms | $51,181 | $24.61 |
| 5 | Lineage Logistics | $50,608 | $24.33 |
| 6 | Performance Food Group | $49,040 | $23.58 |
| 7 | Kleen Test Products | $44,845 | $21.56 |
| 8 | Green Mountain Coffee Roasters | $43,045 | $20.69 |
| 9 | New York Racing Association | $41,214 | $19.81 |
| 10 | The Reserves Network | $38,878 | $18.69 |
| 11 | Ambassador Personnel | $37,646 | $18.10 |
| 12 | Floor & Decor | $35,594 | $17.11 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Jockey salary trends
The average jockey salary has risen by $11,575 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average jockey earned $41,070 annually, but today, they earn $52,645 a year. That works out to a 7% change in pay for jockeys over the last decade.
Compare jockey salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average jockey salary over time
Compare jockey salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Jockey salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $52,600 | $25.31 | -1.0% |
| 2024 | $53,200 | $25.57 | +1.4% |
| 2023 | $52,400 | $25.21 | -1.4% |
| 2022 | $53,200 | $25.57 | +7.1% |
| 2021 | $49,400 | $23.75 | +6.4% |
Recently added jockey salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nestle International | Forklift Jockey Job Details | Nestle Operational Services Worldwide SA | Allentown, PA | 06/27/2025 | $64,134 |
| HCSC Linen Services | 2Nd Shift Dock Jockey-Asbury | Asbury Park, NJ | 06/24/2025 | $62,902 |
| A Duie Pyle | Cdl-A Warehouse Jockey | Fairless Hills, PA | 06/21/2025 | $61,671 |
| Lineage Logistics | Jockey Driver 330Pm-12Am | Windsor, CO | 06/17/2025 | $35,416 |
| Lineage Logistics | Jockey Driver M-F 2Nd Shift | Joliet, IL | 05/21/2025 | $35,416 |
| Saint-Gobain | Jockey Driver | Williamsport, MD | 04/26/2025 | $60,126 |
| Campbell's | Jockey Driver | Denver, PA | 04/25/2025 | $62,047 |
| Performance Food Group | Lot Jockey-3Rd Shift | Plainfield, IN | 04/08/2025 | $49,045 |
| The High Companies | Trailer Jockey CDL A AM | Denver, PA | 03/27/2025 | $48,001 |
| Premier Warehousing Services, Inc. | Jockey Driver | Baltimore, MD | 02/17/2025 | $37,566 |
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