What’s the Average CFL Salary?

The most popular football league in the world is the National Football League, which features teams and competitors from the US. Right next to it is Canada, and the Canadian Football League is also highly popular on the North American continent but not near the NFL.

The CFL features football teams from Canada who compete in the country’s national league.

Nine teams compete in two divisions – 4 in the East and 5 in the West. Here’s a list of all teams:

– Toronto Argonauts – Toronto, Ontario

– Hamilton Tiger-Cats – Hamilton, Ontario

– Montreal Alouettes – Montreal, Quebec

– Ottawa Redblacks – Ottawa, Ontario

– Winnipeg Blue Bombers – Winnipeg, Manitoba

– Saskatchewan Roughriders – Regina, Saskatchewan

– Calgary Stampeders – Calgary, Alberta

– Edmonton Elks – Edmonton, Alberta

– BC Lions – Vancouver, British Columbia

There are more than 400 players actively playing in the CFL. Not all have the same salary, though, as not all play the same role for their teams. The most valuable position in football is the quarterback. Not only in the CFL but globally and wherever this beautiful game is played.

That’s why these players are the best-paid ones in the league. Unlike the NFL, the CFL quarterbacks earn significantly less than their US colleagues, which is normal. The NFL is way more popular and has millions of viewers and fans more than those in the CFL.

How much do CFL players make?

The average salary of CFL players is around 113.000 CAD. You may say that an average CFL player makes as much as WEB developers, business analysts or truck drivers. However, some players make way more than the average one.

Here’s a list of some of the best-paid players in the Canadian Football League:

Nathan Rourke plays quarterback for the BC Lions of Vancouver. He earns $600,000 annually.

Zach Collaros also plays quarterback but for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He also earns $600,000 annually.

Chad Kelly is another quarterback who plays for the Toronto Argonauts. His three-year contract is $1.865 million, which is approximately $621,667 annually.

Bo Levi Mitchell, a quarterback for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He earns $540,000 annually.

Trevor Harris, also a quarterback for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, earns $500,000 annually.

What is the minimum salary in the CFL 2024?

The CFL payroll for football players in Canada has been a matter of huge debate for years. The difference between them and the NFL players is enormous. The average salary among all 32 NFL football teams is almost 3 million USD, so the difference is significant.

The minimum salary in the CFL, as of 2024, is set to 70,000 CAD, while the minimum salary in the NFL is a lot more – 795,000 USD (1,146,350 CAD). You see the difference in the CFL pay scale and why the debate is ongoing. The plan of the league is to raise the CFL minimum salary to 75,000 CAD by 2027, which is still a number that is not even near the NFL standards.

Are there any differences between the leagues?

There are many differences between the NFL and the CFL, but they are insignificant for the huge salary gap. One of the main differences is that the NFL fields 11 players, while the CFL fields 12. However, the NFL has 100-yard fields, while the CFL stands at 110. This only makes playing more difficult, and this should give players more value and higher pay, not the other way around.

Additionally, the CFL rules say that one team’s possession allows three downs, unlike the NFL, which features four downs. This makes the game more diverse and attractive. The playing clock plays a role here, too. The clock in the CFL is set to 20 seconds, which is half less than the NFL; shorter time results in a faster pace and higher attractiveness.

Another reason for quarterbacks to be better paid in the CFL is the size of the ball. The Canadian league features slightly wider and larger balls, making it tougher for quarterbacks to throw accurately.

Catches in the NFL rely on fair play, while in the CFL, there’s a 5-yard gap between the opposing players. Another thing is that goals slightly differ with their position, with the NFL positioning field goals at the back of the end line, and the CFL has them at the front.

What Is the Average CFL Salary in 2025?

The Actual Average Number

Based on aggregated league data, the average CFL salary in 2025 is estimated at CAD $110,000–$130,000 per year .

This number includes:

– Star players earning $300,000+

– Veterans in the $120,000–$180,000 range

– Rookies and depth players closer to the minimum

Why “Average” Can Be Misleading

The average is pulled upward by a small group of high-paid players — mainly quarterbacks. The median salary (the middle point) is closer to CAD $90,000, which gives a more realistic picture for most players.

So while headlines often quote the average, the reality for many players is more modest.

CFL Salaries by Position

Quarterbacks: The Top Earners

Quarterbacks earn the most in the CFL, by a wide margin. Starting QBs often make between CAD $300,000 and $600,000 per season .

Elite names like Zach Collaros and Bo Levi Mitchell have consistently topped salary charts due to:

– Positional value

– Experience

– Market demand

Backup quarterbacks earn far less, often under $120,000.

Other Offensive Positions

– Wide receivers: $90,000–$180,000

– Running backs: $80,000–$150,000

– Offensive linemen: $100,000–$200,000

Canadian offensive linemen often earn more due to roster ratio rules.

Defense and Special Teams

Defensive players generally earn slightly less:

– Defensive linemen: $90,000–$170,000

– Linebackers: $80,000–$150,000

– Defensive backs: $75,000–$140,000

Special teams specialists usually fall near the lower end unless they are elite performers.

How Experience and Performance Affect Pay

Rookie Salaries

Most rookies start near the league minimum. Draft position matters less than:

– Position

– National vs international status

– Team needs

It’s common for first-year players to earn CAD $70,000–$85,000.

Veterans and Star Players

Veterans with multiple strong seasons can double or triple their starting salary. Performance bonuses and contract renegotiations play a big role here.

Unlike the NFL, long-term guaranteed contracts are rare, so consistency is key.

Bonuses and Extra Income

Performance Incentives

Players can earn bonuses for:

– Playing time

– Statistical milestones

– All-Star selections

These bonuses often range from $5,000 to $50,000 depending on the contract .

Off-Season Jobs and Endorsements

Many CFL players work during the off-season as:

– Coaches

– Trainers

– Real estate agents

– Sales professionals

A small group of stars also earn endorsement money, but this is not common league-wide.

Case Study: Highest-Paid CFL Players

In 2025, the highest-paid CFL players are almost all quarterbacks. Top earners make between CAD $500,000 and $600,000 annually .

Non-QBs rarely crack the $250,000 mark, even at elite levels. This gap shows just how quarterback-driven CFL salaries are.

CFL Salaries vs Other Football Leagues

Compared to the NFL, CFL salaries are much lower:

– NFL average salary: ~$2.7 million USD

– CFL average salary: ~$120,000 CAD

However, CFL salaries compare favorably to:

– European football leagues

– Indoor and spring leagues

For many players, the CFL remains the best non-NFL option.

Living in Canada on a CFL Salary

Cost of Living Reality

Living in cities like Toronto or Vancouver can be expensive. Teams often help with housing, but players still need to budget carefully.

Most players live comfortably during the season but don’t build long-term wealth from CFL salaries alone.

The Future of CFL Salaries

The CFL’s salary cap is tied to league revenue. Modest increases are expected, but major jumps are unlikely without new TV or sponsorship deals .

Still, steady growth is a realistic expectation.

Conclusion

CFL players don’t earn NFL money, and they never have. But the average CFL salary still reflects a legitimate professional career for hundreds of athletes. The league rewards skill, experience, and durability, even if financial security requires planning beyond football.

For fans, understanding salaries adds context to roster decisions, free agency, and player movement. For players, it’s about balancing passion with practicality.

The CFL may be smaller, but it remains a vital part of the football world — and its players earn every dollar they make.

FAQs

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