The High Cost of Becoming a Professional Bodybuilder
"Nobody wants to spend their entire paycheck to become an IFBB Pro [bodybuilder] but that’s exactly what you need to do to become one," says Eric Janicki, a heavyweight bodybuilder, coach, and content creator. Janicki detailed the yearly costs of competing at the professional level of the sport and spoiler alert: It’s not cheap.
Food & Nutrition — $9,600-$14,000 Per Year
Groceries are pricey for bodybuilders who eat a high volume of healthy foods daily. Janicki’s food bill includes:
- Meats & Proteins: $150 to $250
- Carbohydrates: $50 to $100
- Fats: $30 to $50
Supplements — $3,600-$6,000 Per Year
A common misconception is that all pro bodybuilders have supplement sponsors, but Janicki says you likely have to be "in the top 1%" to earn one of those, as companies consider popularity and social media followers.
Gym & Coaching — $300-$12,000 Per Year
Training at a gym can be done relatively cheaply, though many elite athletes prefer higher-end clubs. Pro bodybuilders need coaching since Janicki says, "Posing can make or break between fifth place and first place." He went on to say that he had never met someone who self-coaches.
PEDs — $1,300-$25,000 Per Year
Performance enhancers cost between $1,300 and $3,100 for basic use and about $8,000 to $25,000 annually for more advanced regimes.
Show Fees, Cosmetics, Travel, and More — $5,500-$9,500 Per Year
Travel, hotels, transportation, babysitters, food prep supplies, and tickets for family and friends are major expenses for pro bodybuilders. Contest costs, like an NPC membership at $150 per year and $200 to $500 for show participation. Tanning, grooming, and gear cost thousands of dollars. Many bodybuilders dish out $500-1,000 per year in medical costs.
Average Yearly Bodybuilding Costs — $26,000-$53,000
"The average annual income is not much more than the top end of [$26,000 to $53,000]," Janicki said. "If you’re not making $100,000 per year, this will take a toll on your pocketbook. If you have a family and kids, you will become very fixated on this goal, and when you’re in it, you will not care what you’re spending."
Conclusion
Though Janicki hopes not to discourage pro bodybuilder pursuers, a career in the sport has a hefty price tag.
FAQs
- How much does it cost to become a professional bodybuilder?
- The average yearly cost is $26,000-$53,000.
- What are the main expenses for a professional bodybuilder?
- Food, supplements, gym, coaching, PEDs, and show fees.
- Can I become a professional bodybuilder without a supplement sponsor?
- No, it’s unlikely unless you’re in the top 1% with a large social media following.
- How much do professional bodybuilders spend on PEDs?
- $1,300-$25,000 per year for basic use and $8,000-$25,000 annually for more advanced regimes.
