Major League Soccer (MLS) has entered a golden era of financial growth, catalyzed by the "Messi Effect" and the anticipation of the FIFA World Cup 2026. While player wages often dominate the conversation, the salaries of those orchestrating the game—the managers, sporting directors, and front-office executives—have quietly scaled to new heights. As of early 2026, the league has moved beyond its "frugal" roots, offering competitive packages that attract elite global talent.
MLS Manager & Coach Salaries 2026
In 2026, being an MLS head coach is a multi-million dollar profession for the league's top names.
Average MLS Head Coach Salary: Approximately $800,000 – $1.2 million.
Highest-Paid MLS Manager: Currently, elite managers at high-spending clubs like Inter Miami or LAFC can earn upwards of $3 million – $5 million per year.Ronny Deila (Atlanta United): Following his return to the league, Deila is among the top earners, with an estimated package near $2.5 million annually.
Assistant Coach Salary: Typically ranges from $150,000 to $350,000, with specialized "First Assistant" roles at top clubs pushing toward the higher end.
The Front Office: Do GMs and Sporting Directors Make Good Money?
The "General Manager" or Sporting Director is often the most vital person in an MLS organization due to the league's complex roster rules (TAM, GAM, DPs).
Sporting Director Salary: The average for a Director of Football or Sporting Director is roughly $135,000 – $250,000 for mid-market teams, but elite GMs at "Big Market" clubs can earn $500,000 – $800,000.
MLS Director Roles: Non-sporting director roles (Marketing, IT, Operations) at the league level or within clubs average around $131,359, with senior directors in New York or San Diego earning up to $230,000.MLS vs. Premier League: The Financial Chasm
Despite the growth, the Premier League remains in a different stratosphere.
| Position | MLS (2026) | Premier League (2026) |
| Top Manager | ~$5 million | £20 million+ (e.g., Pep Guardiola) |
| Average Manager | ~$1 million | £3 million – £6 million |
| Average Player | ~$580,000 | £4 million+ |
| Highest Player | $20M+ (Lionel Messi) | £20M+ (Erling Haaland) |
Highest Salaries in MLS (2026)
While managers are doing well, the players still hold the biggest checks. As of February 2026:
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami): Remains the highest-paid individual in the league, with a total guaranteed compensation exceeding $20 million.
Heung-Min Son (LAFC): Following his high-profile move, Son earns approximately $11 million, making him the league's second-highest earner.Thomas Müller (Vancouver): Müller’s salary is set for a significant "Designated Player" adjustment in 2026, expected to land in the $4M – $6M range.
Working for MLS: Glassdoor & Entry Level
For those looking to enter the industry, the "working for MLS" experience varies by location.
MLS Next Coaches: Youth academy coaches within the MLS Next system earn between $35,000 and $70,000, depending on the state (California and New York paying the highest).
Corporate Staff: According to Glassdoor-style data, corporate roles at the MLS Manhattan headquarters are highly competitive, with entry-level coordinators starting around $65,000 – $80,000.