Ball Boy Wages: What You Need to Know

If you’ve ever watched a tennis match or a cricket game, you’ve probably seen the kids scurrying around with balls. Those are ball boys (or girls) and they get paid for the work. Most people don’t think about their wages, but the numbers vary a lot depending on the sport, the event and the country.

What a Ball Boy Actually Does

Ball boys are more than just fetch‑and‑carry helpers. In tennis they retrieve balls, hand them to the players, and keep the court clean. In cricket they collect the ball after each over, help with equipment and sometimes act as a spare fielder. Their job is fast‑paced and requires good reflexes, a keen eye and the ability to follow the rules of the game.

Because the role is live and public, ball boys need to stay focused and be polite to players and officials. Most tournaments train them before the event, teaching them how to handle the ball, where to stand and how to avoid interfering with play.

How Much Ball Boys Earn

Pay differs by sport and level. In big tennis tournaments like the Grand Slams, a ball boy can earn anywhere from $50 to $150 per day, plus meals and travel expenses. Smaller ATP or WTA events might pay $30‑$70 a day. In cricket, especially during international matches, ball boys often receive a flat fee of $20‑$60 per match.

Some factors that affect the wage include:

• Event size: Larger events have bigger budgets and can pay more.
• Location: Cities with higher living costs tend to offer higher daily rates.
• Experience: Veteran ball boys who know the venue’s quirks can negotiate better pay.
• Age group: Many tournaments hire teenagers, but some professional leagues employ adults for longer shifts.

Most ball boys work only a few days, so the total amount earned per tournament is modest. However, the experience can open doors to coaching, umpiring or other sports‑related jobs.

If you want to become a ball boy, start by checking the official website of the tournament you’re interested in. They usually post applications a few months before the event. You’ll need to be in good physical shape, have reliable transport and be ready for a quick training session.

Bottom line: ball boy wages aren’t life‑changing, but they are a decent side gig for kids and young adults who love being close to the action. Knowing the pay range helps you decide if it’s worth the effort, and it might just be the first step into a sports career.