Introduction
When you hear the name Sam Kerr, it’s impossible not to think of goals, grit, and greatness. The Australian striker has become one of the most recognizable faces in women’s football, leading both Chelsea FC and the Matildas with unmatched energy and charisma. But with fame comes curiosity—how much does Sam Kerr actually make?
In recent years, as women’s football has gained worldwide momentum, so too have the earnings of its top stars. Among them, Kerr stands tall, not just for her athletic achievements, but also for her growing fortune.
In this article, we break down Sam Kerr Salary and Income Sources: Club, Country, and Endorsements to give you a clear picture of how one of the world’s top female athletes earns her money.
A Quick Look at Sam Kerr’s Rise
Born in Fremantle, Western Australia, Sam Kerr kicked off her career at just 15 years old with the Australian national team. Over time, she’s become a top scorer in multiple leagues—from the W-League in Australia, to the NWSL in the U.S., and now the English Women’s Super League (WSL) with Chelsea FC.
Her accolades include multiple Golden Boots, record-breaking goals, and the honor of captaining the Matildas. Kerr isn’t just successful—she’s iconic.
Club Salary: What Chelsea FC Pays Sam Kerr
Sam Kerr joined Chelsea FC Women in 2020, and it was a major headline in the world of women’s sports. At the time, she signed what was reported as one of the most lucrative contracts in the WSL.
Estimated Salary
Kerr’s Chelsea salary is estimated to be between £400,000 to £500,000 per year, which translates to approximately $500,000 to $630,000 USD annually.
This base salary includes:
Match-day wages
Performance bonuses (goals, assists, wins)
Potential signing bonus or image rights income
It’s important to note that Chelsea is known for investing heavily in their women’s team, and Kerr is one of the centerpieces of their squad. Compared to male footballers, this figure is modest, but in the context of women’s football, it's among the highest in the game.
National Team Income: Playing for the Matildas
Representing her country means the world to Sam Kerr. She’s not just a player on the Matildas squad—she’s the captain and emotional leader. But when it comes to pay, national team duty brings in less than club football.
Equal Pay Milestone
In 2019, Football Australia reached an agreement to provide equal base pay to the men’s and women’s national teams. This move was groundbreaking and placed Australia ahead of many countries in terms of gender pay equality in sport.
Estimated Matildas Earnings
While match fees, training camps, and bonuses vary, it's believed that Kerr earns approximately $100,000 per year from her involvement with the national team. This can fluctuate depending on:
Number of matches played
Tournament bonuses (e.g., World Cup, Olympics)
Captaincy-related bonuses
Although this is less than her club income, the symbolic and social value of her national team role is priceless.
Endorsement Deals: The Real Money Maker
This is where things get really interesting.
Endorsements have become the bread and butter for many elite athletes. And in Sam Kerr’s case, her marketability, global reach, and clean public image make her a favorite among brands.
Major Endorsements Include:
Nike – Kerr has long been associated with Nike and appears in several high-profile campaigns, making her one of the brand’s leading faces in women's football.
EA Sports – In 2022, she became the first woman on the global cover of FIFA 23, sharing the spotlight with Kylian Mbappé.
Powerade – Featured alongside international athletes in global campaigns.
CommBank – As a Matildas partner, Commonwealth Bank showcases Kerr as a role model.
Qantas – Australia’s national airline often includes Kerr in promotional material.
Jacob’s Creek – Partnered with Kerr to promote major women’s sporting events.
Estimated Endorsement Earnings
Combined, it’s believed Sam Kerr earns around $1 million to $1.5 million annually just from sponsorships and brand deals.
Why so high? Because Kerr is more than just a footballer—she’s a brand. With over 1.5 million Instagram followers, a positive public persona, and visibility in multiple markets (Europe, Australia, and the U.S.), she’s a marketer’s dream.
Media and Appearances
Outside of playing and endorsements, Kerr also earns from:
Paid appearances
Media interviews
Book deals (like her children’s book series)
Awards and event speaking engagements
Though these numbers are harder to track, they likely contribute an additional $50,000–$100,000 per year to her income.
Sam Kerr's Estimated Net Worth (2025)
Let’s break it down:
Chelsea FC Salary: ~$600,000
Matildas Salary: ~$100,000
Endorsements: ~$1.5 million
Other Income: ~$100,000
Total Estimated Annual Income: ~$2.3 million
Total Net Worth Estimate: $5 million – $6 million, with potential for rapid growth as women's football continues to gain traction globally.
Comparing Sam Kerr to Male Footballers
It’s no secret that male footballers earn significantly more. For instance, a mid-level male Premier League player might earn $5–10 million per year, excluding endorsements.
However, Kerr’s presence in the FIFA video game, her global campaigns, and record-breaking performances are helping reshape that narrative. She’s a leading voice in pushing for better pay, more visibility, and equality in sports.
She may not earn Messi or Mbappé money, but she’s undeniably one of the most influential women in football—and that influence has real value.
What the Future Holds
Women’s football is growing fast—faster than most anticipated. Stadiums are filling up, broadcast deals are improving, and brand interest is skyrocketing. Sam Kerr is at the heart of this transformation.
Expect her value to keep rising with:
A potential move to a U.S. or Spanish superclub
Expansion into fashion or lifestyle brands
Further leadership roles in women’s sport
And with the 2027 Women’s World Cup on the horizon, there’s no slowing down.
Conclusion
Understanding Sam Kerr Salary and Income Sources: Club, Country, and Endorsements gives us a glimpse into not just the financial side of football, but the evolving landscape of women’s sports.
Sam Kerr earns approximately $2.3 million annually through club wages, national duties, and a host of lucrative endorsement deals. Her estimated net worth of $5–6 million proves that top female athletes can and should command top-tier earnings.
