Real Salt Lake salaries: A look at the paychecks of the MLS squad

Real Salt Lake salaries: A look at the paychecks of the MLS squad

Helix Odhiambo
June 17, 2024 at 8:30 AM
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Real Salt Lake pays its players a diverse range of salaries according to their experience and contribution to the team. The club was founded by David Blitzer in 2004 and is based in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area. It plays in the Major League Soccer (MLS). This article breaks down Real Salt Lake salaries and some of the top-paid footballers in the club.

Highest-paid Real Salt Lake players
Real Salt Lake's Justen Glad (L) on 8 May 2024. Cristian Arango (C) on 12 July 2023 and Matt Crooks (R) on 13 April 2024. Photo: Chris Gardner, Sam Wasson, Bill Barrett (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Table of Сontents:

Real Salt Lake plays its home games at America First Field in Sandy, Utah. The club has attracted many talented footballers who are earning significant wages. Although Real Salt Lake's soccer players' salaries are not as high as many MLS teams, their commitment to the club's success remains unmatched.

Real Salt Lake salaries in 2024

Soccer Prime revealed that Real Salt Lake's average salary in 2023 was $287,800 and a combined annual wage bill of $8,634,000, making them the 19th highest-paying club in the MLS. How much do Real Salt Lake players make in 2024?

Axios reports that the club has a total guaranteed compensation of $13.6 million for its players, ranking 27th out of 29 teams in the 2024 MLS season. Most Salt Lake footballers earn significantly less than other MLS players. Here is a list of Real Salt Lake's players' salaries annually, as published by Capology.

Player

Position

Annual gross salary

Fidel Barajas

Midfielder

$71,401

Zavier Gozo

Right winger

$71,401

Matthew Bell

Centre forward

$71,401

Kevin Bonilla

Right back

$71,401

Luca Moisa

Midfielder

$71,401

Tommy Silva

Left back

$71,401

Bertin Jacquesson

Right winger

$89,716

Emeka Eneli

Midfielder

$89,716

Tomás Gómez

Goalkeeper

$89,716

Philip Quinton

Centre back

$89,716

Ilijah Paul

Centre forward

$89,716

Luis Rivera

Left back

$89,716

Axel Kei

Centre forward

$110,000

Jude Wellings

Midfielder

$110,000

Gavin Beavers

Goalkeeper

$120,000

Zack Farnsworth

Left back

$125,000

Bode Hidalgo

Right back

$125,000

Maikel Chang

Right winger

$195,000

Erik Holt

Centre back

$225,000

Carlos Andrés Gómez

Right winger

$250,000

Andrew Brody

Left back

$275,000

Nelson Palacio

Midfielder

$330,000

Zac MacMath

Goalkeeper

$350,000

Bryan Oviedo

Left back

$375,000

Alexandros Katranis

Left back

$400,000

Diego Luna

Midfielder

$400,000

Marcelo Silva

Centre back

$400,000

Brayan Vera

Centre back

$475,000

Braian Ojeda

Midfielder

$600,000

Anderson Julio

Right winger

$750,000

Pablo Ruiz

Midfielder

$825,000

Matt Crooks

Midfielder

$1,000,000

Justen Glad

Centre back

$1,150,000

Cristian Arango

Centre forward

$1,899,996

Total

-

$11,456,698

According to Spotrac, Real Salt Lake's salary cap for the 2024 season is $13,604,922. The club has spent around $2 million less than its allocated amount. The average Real Salt Lake salary per week is $4,683, and a weekly payroll of $159,235. Here are the top 10 highest-paid Real Salt Lake footballers and their profiles.

10. Alexandros Katranis

Nathan Harriel and Alexandros Katranis
Nathan Harriel (L) of Philadelphia Union and Alexandros Katranis (R) of Real Salt Lake during their MLS game at Subaru Park on 27 April 2024 in Chester, Pennsylvania. Photo: Tim Nwachukwu
Source: Getty Images
  • Date of birth: 4 May 1998
  • Age: 26 (as of June 2024)
  • Birthplace: Volos, Greece
  • Nationality: Greek
  • Contract: February 2024 - December 2025

The talented Greek left-back joined Salt Lake on 2 February 2024 from Piast Gliwice of Poland. Katranis spent nearly eight years in Europe before moving to the MLS.

9. Diego Luna

Diego Luna of Real Salt Lake
Diego Luna of Real Salt Lake dribbles the ball during a game against San Jose Earthquakes at PayPal Park on 16 September 2023 in San Jose, California. Photo: Lyndsay Radnedge
Source: Getty Images
  • Date of birth: 7 September 2003
  • Age: 20 (as of June 2024)
  • Birthplace: Sunnyvale, California, United States
  • Nationality: American
  • Contract: March 2024 - December 2026

OSD Sports reports that Luna nurtured his football skills at Palo Alto's youth academy, San Jose Earthquakes and Barcelona Residency Academy. He played for El Paso Locomotive and Real Monarchs before joining Salt Lake in June 2022 for around $250,000.

8. Marcelo Silva

Marcelo Silva at Toyota Stadium
Marcelo Silva of Real Salt Lake controls the ball during the MLS game against FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium on 15 April 2023 in Frisco, Texas. Photo: Omar Vega
Source: Getty Images
  • Date of birth: 12 March 1989
  • Age: 35 (as of June 2024)
  • Birthplace: Mercedes, Uruguay
  • Nationality: Uruguayan
  • Contract: July 2017 - December 2024

Silva has had a remarkable football journey in South America, Europe, and the MLS. The experienced centre-back has provided depth to the Salt Lake squad, and he is in his last contract year with the club.

7. Brayan Vera

Real Salt Lake defender Brayan Vera
Defender Brayan Vera of Real Salt Lake controls the ball against St. Louis City at City Park on 24 February 2024 in St.Louis, Missouri. Photo: Bill Barrett
Source: Getty Images
  • Date of birth: 15 January 1999
  • Age: 25 (as of June 2024)
  • Birthplace: San Luis, Colombia
  • Nationality: Colombian
  • Contract: February 2023 - December 2025

Vera receives a lucrative salary due to his reliable performance and strong defensive play. He also provides depth and competition on the club's back line.

6. Braian Ojeda

Braian Ojeda of Real Salt Lake
Braian Ojeda of Real Salt Lake dribbles the ball against the Houston Dynamo FC during the US Open Cup semifinal at Shell Energy Stadium on 23 August 2023 in Houston. Photo: Tim Warner
Source: Getty Images
  • Date of birth: 27 June 2000
  • Age: 23 (as of June 2024)
  • Birthplace: San Lorenzo, Paraguay
  • Nationality: Paraguayan
  • Contract: February 2023 - December 2025

Ojeda's unwavering work ethic and playmaking abilities have made him a valuable asset. The young central midfielder also plays for the Paraguay national team. He joined Real Salt Lake from Nottingham Forest.

5. Anderson Julio

Anderson Julio celebrates against Minnesota United
Anderson Julio of Real Salt Lake celebrates after scoring a goal against Minnesota United at Allianz Field on 24 April 2021 in St Paul, Minnesota. Photo: David Berding
Source: Getty Images
  • Date of birth: 31 May 1996
  • Age: 28 (as of June 2024)
  • Birthplace: Pimampiro, Ecuador
  • Nationality: Ecuadorian
  • Contract: April 2022 - December 2024

Julio, now in his third season with Salt Lake, has shown consistent performance as a substitute. His impressive performance and growth earned him a significant contract, putting him among the top five Real Salt Lake players.

4. Pablo Ruiz

Pablo Ruiz at the 2021 MLS Western Conference Playoff Final
Pablo Ruiz of Real Salt Lake plays the ball during the 2021 MLS Western Conference Playoff Final against the Portland Timbers at Providence Park on 4 December 2021 in Portland. Photo: Alika Jenne
Source: Getty Images
  • Date of birth: 20 December 1998
  • Age: 25 (as of June 2024)
  • Birthplace: Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina
  • Nationality: Argentine
  • Contract: November 2020 - December 2026

The Argentine midfielder has shown the ability to dictate the game's pace and create scoring opportunities. Ruiz joined the Salt Lake in 2018 and had loan spells in Real Monarchs and Pinzgau Saalfelden before returning to the MLS club to secure a slot in the starting IX.

3. Matt Crooks

Matt Crooks of Real Salt Lake
Matt Crooks of Real Salt Lake runs with the ball past Aidan Morris (no. 8) of the Columbus Crew at America First Field on 13 April 2024 in Sandy, Utah. Photo: Chris Gardner
Source: Getty Images
  • Date of birth: 20 January 1994
  • Age: 30 (as of June 2024)
  • Birthplace: Leeds, United Kingdom
  • Nationality: English
  • Contract: February 2024 - December 2026

Crooks spent nearly 14 years playing for English and Scottish clubs in the lower divisions before joining the MLS club in February 2024. The midfielder is known for his ability to score and set things up, making him the third-best footballer in the Salt Lake squad. He is among the talented European MLS players.

2. Justen Glad

Justen Glad celebrating at America First Field
Justen Glad of Real Salt Lake celebrates scoring against the Austin FC at America First Field on 11 March 2023 in Sandy, Utah. Photo: Chris Gardner
Source: Getty Images
  • Date of birth: 28 February 1997
  • Age: 27 (as of June 2024)
  • Birthplace: Pasadena, California, United States
  • Nationality: American
  • Contract: September 2023 - December 2026

Glad is a valuable player for Salt Lake due to his steady play and leadership. He penned a lucrative contract with the club, reflecting his dedication and contribution to the team. Justen also wore the captain's armband and was named the club's MVP in 2022.

1. Cristian Arango

What do Real Salt Lake players make?
Striker Cristian Arango of Real Salt Lake reacts after scoring a goal against FC Dallas at America First Field on 20 September 2023 in Sandy, Utah. Photo: Chris Gardner
Source: Getty Images
  • Date of birth: 9 March 1995
  • Age: 29 (as of June 2024)
  • Birthplace: Medellín, Colombia
  • Nationality: Colombian
  • Contract: July 2023 - December 2025

The Colombian forward tops the Real Salt Lake players' salary list, with an annual pay of $1,899,996 and $36,538 weekly. Arango is the team's captain and one of the best strikers in the MLS. According to ESPN, the striker leads the MLS top-scoring chart with 16 goals in 17 games as of June 2024. He also has the third-most assists (10).

Trivia

Real Salt Lake currently tops the MLS Western Conference thanks to the significant contributions and commitment of its players and head coach, Pablo Mastroeni. The club battled a financial crisis and loss of money but seems to have overcome the ordeal.

What do Real Salt Lake players make?

The average annual salary of Real Salt Lake footballers is $243,536, and an average weekly of $4,683. The highest-paid, Cristian Arango, earns $1,899,996 annually and $36,538 weekly. The lowest-paid, Fidel Barajas, takes home $71,401 annually and $1,373 weekly.

How much is the Real Salt Lake coach's salary?

Glassdoor estimated that Pablo Mastroeni earns between $53,000 and $92,000 annually at Real Salt Lake. According to Zip Recruiter, this is within the average annual pay for MLS Coaching in the United States, which is $62,338.

What is the average MLS player's salary?

According to USA Today, the average guaranteed compensation for MLS players in 2024 is $594,390. Inter Miami's Lionel Messi is the league's highest-paid, with a $12.0 million base salary and $20.4 million, including compensation.

Final word

The Real Salt Lake salaries emphasize the contributions of key players, making them competitively compensated despite having one of the lowest MLS salary caps. Each player has a distinct job contributing to the team's success.

READ ALSO: Vancouver Whitecaps FC players' salaries: Find out what each player takes home

Sports Brief revealed the salaries of Vancouver Whitecaps FC's players and the club's salary cap. The three-time Canadian Champions have existed since December 1973 and play in the MLS. Vancouver Whitecaps offer different wages and compensations to its players. Follow the above link for more revelations.

Authors
Helix Odhiambo photo
Helix Odhiambo
Helix Odhiambo is an award-winning Kenyan journalist and content creator with over 6 years of experience. In 2016, he won the Goal Blaze Correspondent Award for young writers.