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While the superstar athletes at the 2026 US Open compete for a record-breaking $108 million player purse, a massive army of officials and support staff works tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the tournament running smoothly.
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From the lightning-fast ball crew sprinting across the courts to the eagle-eyed chair umpires maintaining order under intense pressure, the tournament relies heavily on these unsung heroes.
However, unlike the players competing for multi-million-dollar checks, their pay is on a much more grounded scale.
How Much Money Does the US Open Ball Crew Earn?
The US Open stands out among Grand Slams for its unique approach to its ball crew members. While prestigious tournaments like Wimbledon and the French Open rely largely on unpaid teenage volunteers, the US Open treats the role as professional employment.
For the 2026 tournament, ball crew members earn $18 to $19 per hour, tracking just slightly above New York City’s minimum wage. Because it is a paid position, there is no age cap; the 300-member crew features everyone from 14-year-old students to adults in their late 40s.
Beyond the hourly pay, crew members enjoy excellent perks, including a daily food allowance and the coveted opportunity to keep their premium, official Ralph Lauren tournament uniforms.
How Much Does a Chair Umpire Earn at the US Open?
Up in the high chair, the financial structure changes completely.
Tennis umpires and line judges are treated as independent contractors rather than hourly workers, earning their income through flat day rates or tournament fees.
Their compensation is heavily dictated by their “badge level” (Gold, Silver, or Bronze) certified by the ITF, ATP, and WTA.
- Gold Badge Chair Umpires: The highest-rated elite umpires who officiate main-draw matches on show courts like Arthur Ashe Stadium make roughly $450 to $600+ per day. For a full two-week tournament workload, a top umpire walks away with an estimated $6,000 to $8,000 total.
- Lower-Tier & Qualifying Umpires: Umpires working the early qualifying rounds or lower-profile courts typically earn a lower base day rate, historically starting around $185 to $250 per day.
- Line Judges: Officials responsible for calling lines can make around $1,900 USD flat for the duration of a Grand Slam tournament.
Furthermore, because umpires operate as contractors, they must cover their own travel logistics and health insurance.
Yet, for both the ball crew and the officials, the chance to be on the court for historic sporting moments makes it one of the most rewarding grinds in professional sports.
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This story was originally published September 13, 2026 at 10:30 AM.