Imagine doing jobs that earn you more than a WNBA rookie.
That’s right.
According to Vibe, Caitlin Clark is the Indiana Fever’s No. 1 draft pick for the upcoming season.
The WNBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement revealed that Clark’s deal would net her $338,056 over four years.
This translates to:
- $78,066 in 2025
- $85,873 in 2026
- $97,582 in 2027
The WNBA’s highest earners (Jewell Loyd, Arike Ogunbowale, and Kahleah Cooper) make around $241,984 annually.
Meanwhile, the first NBA draft pick is expected to earn around $10.5 million in their first year.
The pay disparity is night and day.
The standard explanation for the immense pay gap is that the WNBA doesn’t earn as much as the NBA.
The NBA also has a more extended season at 82 games compared to 40.
For now, the average WNBA salary is so low that several everyday professionals out-earn these elite athletes.
Check these jobs out.
IT Manager
If you’re an IT pro and work up to becoming a manager, expect to earn six figures in this job.
The median salary for an IT manager is $164,070 annually.
Sales Manager
Sales managers earn around $130,600 annually.
This is nearly double what new WNBA players earn.
Midwife
Apparently, taking care of pregnant women and their babies from pregnancy to shortly after birth is a pretty sweet job.
According to Indeed, the average American midwife earns $112,719 annually (more than Caitlin Clark will earn in each of the upcoming four years).
Physical Therapist
WNBA players are the stars, but their supporting cast could be out-earning them.
An average physical therapist makes $97,720, which is more than many players in the league.
Research Analyst
American research analysts earn a median salary of $85,720.
Who knew mining and analyzing data as your day job could be so lucrative?
Truck Driver
Yep, truck drivers are making bank–at least, more bank than WNBA players.
With an average of $83,158 annually, they make a comfortable living transporting goods countrywide.
Dentist
This shouldn’t be surprising–everyone knows dentists make a lot of cash.
To be precise, the average dental hygienist earns $81,400.
Retail Store Manager
Yep, the average retail store manager makes more cash than a WNBA rookie.
With an average annual salary of $77,334, they are proof that the retail sector is underrated.
These Jobs Are Lucrative
From truck drivers to physical therapists, you might want to consider these careers if you dream of earning more than the average WNBA rookie.
