Horse jockey earnings vary widely based on experience, success, and location, but here are the key points about how much jockeys make:

• Average Salary Range: Most horse jockeys in the US earn between $30,000 and $40,000 annually, though averages can be higher depending on the state and level of success

. Other sources suggest the average jockey salary can range from about $60,000 to $80,000 per year

• Earnings Structure: Jockeys typically earn money in two main ways:
  • A mounting fee paid by horse trainers for each race, usually between $25 and $150.
  • A percentage of the prize money (purse) won by the horse, typically 6% to 10% for first place, about 1% for second, and 0.5% for third place

• Prize Money Example: For a $100,000 purse, a winning jockey might earn $6,000 if they receive 6% of the purse. However, many races have much smaller purses, meaning earnings per race can be quite modest

• Percentiles and Variability: Top jockeys in the 90th percentile can earn around $61,000 annually, while those in the 10th percentile might make around $31,000. The median salary is about $44,000 to $62,000 depending on the source

• Expenses: Jockeys pay for their own equipment and often share a portion of their winnings (25%-30%) with agents, plus tips to valets. They can deduct some of these expenses for tax purposes

• High Earnings: Only the most successful jockeys competing in major races with large purses can earn six-figure incomes. For example, at prestigious events like the Kentucky Derby, jockeys earn a base fee plus 5-10% of the prize money, which can be substantial if the purse is large

In summary, a typical horse jockey makes between $30,000 and $80,000 a year, with top earners making significantly more depending on race wins and prize money percentages. Most jockeys earn modest incomes supplemented by fees and prize shares, but the profession involves high variability and expenses