Gritty and the Phillie Phanatic Are Getting Paid - and Philly Fans Shouldn’t Be Surprised
In the world of sports, mascots are often seen as comic relief - the oversized, fuzzy faces that bring levity to intense moments and keep fans fired up during timeouts. But a new report ranking the top-earning sports mascots across the major leagues reveals something that might raise a few eyebrows: some of these characters are pulling in serious money. And in true Philly fashion, the City of Brotherly Love is showing up twice on the list.
Gritty’s Paycheck Is No Joke
Let’s start with the big orange elephant in the room - or rather, the big orange creature on skates. Gritty, the Philadelphia Flyers’ wildly unpredictable and endlessly entertaining mascot, comes in at No. 4 on the list of highest-paid mascots, with an annual salary of $250,000.
That’s not just mascot money - that’s CEO-of-a-small-startup money. And it’s only a few thousand shy of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s reported salary of $253,870.
Yes, Gritty is nearly out-earning the state’s top elected official. Only in Philly.
But when you consider Gritty’s meteoric rise from a polarizing debut to full-blown cultural icon, the paycheck starts to make more sense. He’s not just a mascot - he’s a marketing machine, a social media star, and arguably one of the most recognizable figures in the NHL. Whether he’s photobombing fans, roasting opponents online, or showing up at political rallies, Gritty has transcended the rink.
The Phillie Phanatic Keeps the Tradition Alive
Not to be outdone, the Phillie Phanatic - one of the most iconic mascots in all of sports - also cracked the top 10, landing at No. 6 with a reported $200,000 annual salary.
The Phanatic has been entertaining Phillies fans since 1978, and his blend of slapstick humor, crowd antics, and lovable weirdness has made him a staple at Citizens Bank Park. He’s a legend in the mascot world, and his longevity and popularity are clearly being rewarded.
In fact, among MLB mascots, the Phanatic’s salary is one of the highest reported, trailing only Wally the Green Monster of the Boston Red Sox, who tied for fourth overall with Gritty at $250,000.
Mascots vs. the Rest of Us
To put these numbers in perspective, the report compared mascot salaries with those of common professions - and the contrast is pretty stark.
The top earner on the mascot list is Rocky the Mountain Lion of the Denver Nuggets, bringing in a staggering $625,000 a year. That’s nearly five times the average salary of a registered nurse ($93,600) and more than ten times what the average journalist makes ($55,900).
Even mascots further down the list - like Hugo the Hornet ($100,000) and Mr. Met ($89,000) - are earning more than police officers, teachers, and firefighters.
Here’s a quick look at the mascot money rankings:
- Rocky the Mountain Lion (NBA): $625,000
- Harry the Hawk (NBA): $600,000
- Benny the Bull (NBA): $400,000
- Gritty (NHL): $250,000
- Wally the Green Monster (MLB): $250,000
- Phillie Phanatic (MLB): $200,000
- Go the Gorilla (NBA): $200,000
- The Coyote (NBA): $200,000
- Hugo the Hornet (NBA): $100,000
- **Mr.
Met (MLB):** $89,000
And here’s how some of those salaries stack up against everyday professions:
- Software Developer: $132,000
- Registered Nurse: $93,600
- Accountant: $77,900
- Police & Sheriff: $77,200
- High School Teacher: $64,500
- Plumber: $61,100
- Firefighter: $59,500
- Journalist / Reporter: $55,900
- Administrative Assistant: $49,900
What It All Means
So what does this tell us? For one, being a mascot - at least at the highest level - is no longer just a side gig or a quirky performance job. It’s a full-blown career path with real financial upside, especially for those who become integral to their team’s brand and fan experience.
Gritty and the Phanatic are perfect examples of how mascots can become more than just sideline entertainment. They’re ambassadors, entertainers, and marketing goldmines. And in a sports landscape where personality and fan engagement are more important than ever, it’s clear that teams are willing to pay for mascots who can move the needle.
In Philly, where passion runs deep and sports are practically a religion, it makes perfect sense that two of the most beloved mascots in the game are also among the best paid. Gritty and the Phanatic aren’t just mascots - they’re part of the city’s sports soul. And now, they’ve got the salaries to match.