What Is the Average Jockey Salary? Inside the World of Racing Paychecks
The Basic Numbers: So, What Does a Jockey Make?
Average salary range in the U.S.
Let’s get right to it: the average jockey salary in the United States sits somewhere between $30,000 and $50,000 per year. But wait — that’s just a starting point. The real picture is… a bit wild.
Why? Because jockeys don’t get a steady monthly paycheck. They earn per race, based on placement. No wins? Minimal earnings. Big wins? Big checks.
For example, a jockey who finishes 5th might get $200. But win a major stakes race? You're looking at 10% of the purse, which could mean $50,000+ in one ride.
Income varies dramatically
While some top-tier jockeys earn hundreds of thousands or even millions, others struggle to make a living. Like, really struggle. One month you’re riding the Kentucky Derby, next month you’re waiting for a $150 appearance fee at a county track in the middle of nowhere.
So yeah — it’s high-risk, high-reward, no middle ground kind of job.
How Do Jockeys Actually Get Paid?
Per-race earnings
Each time a jockey rides, they receive a mount fee (a flat rate for racing, win or lose). This can range from $50 to $150 per ride at smaller tracks. And that’s before taxes, agent fees, valet cuts, etc.
Win: ~10% of the purse
Place (2nd): ~5%
Show (3rd): ~2.5%
No prize: just the mount fee
So even if the race offers a $100,000 prize, if your horse places 5th? You’re still going home with just the fee.
Deductions that eat into the earnings
Let’s not forget — jockeys don’t keep all their winnings. They pay:
Agents (typically 10%)
Valets (5% or so)
Insurance, taxes, equipment (yep, they buy their own saddles)
At the end of the day, that big $10,000 win? Might feel more like $6,000, if not less.
Top Jockeys vs. Everyone Else
Big names, big money
Guys like Irad Ortiz Jr., Flavien Prat, or Joel Rosario can make $15 million+ in a good year (we’re talking before expenses, though). They ride top-tier horses, win Grade I races, and show up on international circuits.
They’re the exception — not the rule.
Mid-tier and rookie riders
Most jockeys are just trying to make ends meet. Newcomers often ride five to ten horses a week for low-paying races. That’s maybe $1,000–$2,000 a week, if lucky.
A lot of them also exercise horses in the morning to add some side income.
One jockey told me he worked from 5 AM to 8 PM every day and still barely cleared $40K a year. “You do it for the love, not for the check,” he said.
International Jockey Salaries
UK, Australia, and Japan
In the UK, jockeys earn similarly — base fees plus prize percentages. But with better union structures and more consistent racing schedules, some earn more steadily.
Australia has a slightly better average — around AU$60,000–100,000, and top riders earn well into the millions.
Japan? That’s a whole other level. Japan Racing Association jockeys can earn hundreds of thousands per race, and the fanbase there treats them like rockstars.
Final Thoughts: So, Is It Worth It?
Jockey life is not for the faint of heart. The hours are brutal. The injuries are frequent. The income is wildly unpredictable.
But for those who love the sport — and live for the adrenaline of the track — the passion outweighs the paycheck. Still, if you're wondering what is the average jockey salary, now you know: it can be anything from barely surviving to millionaire-level, depending on luck, skill, and a bit of magic in the saddle.
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Is 172 cm good for a man?
Yes it is. Average height of male in India is 166.3 cm (i.e. 5 ft 5.5 inches) while for female it is 152.6 cm (i.e. 5 ft) approximately. So, as far as your question is concerned, aforesaid height is above average in both cases.
Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?
The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
How to get taller at 18?
Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.
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Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).
Can you grow between 16 and 18?
Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.
Can you grow 1 cm after 17?
Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.