Although fans won’t be back in stadiums for the rest of this season’s Major League Baseball games, the mascots will be. The MLB reversed a ruling banning mascots from the park amid concerns about the spread of the coronavirus, the Associated Press reported. Mascots can now be in the stands, though they are not allowed on the field, which could possibly mean that mascot traditions like the Sausage Race in Milwaukee and the dashing Presidents in Washington won’t be able to take place. As for mascots from other leagues, including the NBA, their future remains more uncertain.

As the Phillie Phanatic, Mr. Met and other MLB mascots prepare to make enthusiastic returns to their stadiums, see how much bank these mascots make for their home team spirit — you’ll see that this odd job can pay pretty well.

Last updated: June 30, 2020

How Mascot Salaries Stack Up

If you’re a huge sports fan or just love to entertain, being a pro sports team mascot could be your dream gig — and it can actually pay well too. Mascots usually start out working in the minor leagues, where they earn a starting salary of about $25,000, but once you make it to the ranks of a mascot for an NFL, NBA, MLB or NHL franchise, the average salary shoots up to about $60,000, according to ESPN. An elite group of mascots even bring in as much as six figures as full-time, salaried employees, which they earn from appearing at every home game (typically 41 regular-season NBA or NHL games, or 81 regular-season MLB games — though there will only be 60 MLB games total this year) in addition to appearing at events. Others can make big bucks by working as contract employees, earning money from their performances at games as well as outside appearances.

While the average American has a median household income of $63,179 as of 2018, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and an hourly wage of $19.14 as of 2019, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some of these top-paid pro mascots are bringing in more.

Atlanta Hawks' Harry the Hawk

Pay: $250 per 30 minutes for appearances ($500 per hour)

As the mascot for the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, Harry the Hawk has a busy schedule. In addition to appearing at games, Harry makes 200 to 300 public appearances per year, according to SportsMascots.com. Fortunately, the person inside the costume gets paid well for these appearances, earning $250 for a 30-minute appearance, according to the official Hawks talent request form. Although Harry’s exact salary isn’t known, SportsMascots.com estimates that it’s in the six-figure range.

Baltimore Orioles' The Oriole Bird

Pay: Up to $350 per hour for appearances

The Oriole Bird has been the MLB’s Baltimore Orioles mascot since 1979. In addition to entertaining fans during the games, the Oriole Bird makes appearances at all sorts of events year-round, from charity functions to family parties. The Bird’s rates vary based on the type of event — they start at $190 an hour for community and noncommercial organizations and go up to $350 an hour for appearances at commercial businesses or private functions, according to the team website.

Boston Red Sox's Wally the Green Monster

Estimated pay: Up to $70,000 per year

Wally the Green Monster stays busy as the MLB’s Boston Red Sox mascot. Wally makes more than 300 event appearances per year in addition to revving up the crowds at games, according to SportsMascots.com. The website estimates that Wally makes between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, based on the mascot’s popularity.

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Charlotte Hornets' Hugo

Pay: Up to $1,500 per appearance

Hugo makes buzzworthy bucks for appearances outside of NBA games, with rates typically ranging from $250 to $1,500 per appearance, according to the Charlotte Hornets website. Depending on Hugo’s level of experience, the mascot could be making $100,000 or more per year, according to Parade estimates.

Pictured: Hugo the Hornet in New Orleans, which was the home of the franchise from the 2002-03 through the 2013-14 season. The Hornets moved back to Charlotte, their original home, in 2014.

Chicago Bulls' Benny the Bull

Estimated pay: $200,000 per year

The Chicago Bulls’ mascot’s annual salary hasn’t been made public, but SportsMascots.com estimates that Benny the Bull earns $200,000 or more. Benny debuted in 1969 and was the first NBA mascot, according to the website.

Cleveland Cavaliers' Moondog

Pay: $300 per hour for appearances

NBA mascots have high earning potential: Former Phillie Phanatic Dave Raymond told Parade that experienced NBA mascots can make $100,000 or more a year. Although Moondog’s salary hasn’t been made public, it is known that appearance fees start at $300 per hour, according to the Cavaliers website.

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