What Is Kyle Larson’s Salary?

Kyle Larson’s exact salary is not publicly disclosed, but credible industry estimates indicate his base pay from Hendrick Motorsports is in the low- to mid–seven figures (roughly $1–3 million per year). When race winnings, playoff and championship bonuses, endorsements, merchandising, and appearance fees are included, his total annual compensation commonly lands in the high seven to low eight figures—about $8–12+ million in a typical strong season—with fluctuations based on results and sponsor activity.

Why There Isn’t One Definitive Number

Unlike leagues with standardized player contracts, NASCAR teams and drivers rarely release compensation details. A top driver’s “salary” usually refers only to a base retainer from the team. The bulk of take-home pay depends on performance-related bonuses, a share of purse money, sponsor deals, and licensing, which can swing year to year with wins, playoff advancement, and the strength of commercial partnerships. As a result, any figure for Larson is necessarily an informed estimate rather than an official, fixed amount.

What Makes Up Kyle Larson’s Pay

The following list outlines the main components that typically shape a NASCAR star’s annual earnings, and how they likely apply to Larson with Hendrick Motorsports.

• Team base salary: A guaranteed annual retainer from Hendrick Motorsports, widely estimated for elite Cup drivers to be in the $1–3 million range in the current era.
• Race winnings and charter-related payouts: A negotiated driver share of purse money, boosted by stage wins, race victories, and season points position.
• Playoff and championship bonuses: Additional payouts that escalate with each playoff round, with a significant bump for a title run.
• Endorsements and personal services agreements: Income from sponsor deals and partner activations tied to Larson’s image rights and appearances.
• Merchandising and licensing: A percentage of apparel and diecast sales, which typically rise with on-track success and fan engagement.
• Other racing and appearance fees: Larson’s dirt racing entries and special events (including his 2024 Indianapolis 500 effort) can add incremental income.

Taken together, these elements push a top contender’s total annual compensation well beyond the base retainer, particularly in seasons with multiple wins and deep playoff runs.

Recent Performance And What It Means For Pay (2021–2024)

Larson’s recent track record helps explain why estimates for his total compensation sit in the upper tier of NASCAR drivers.

• 2021: NASCAR Cup Series champion with a dominant season, dramatically lifting bonuses and market value.
• 2023: Returned to the Championship 4, reinforcing high-performance incentives and sponsor appeal.
• 2024: Multiple Cup wins (including Las Vegas, Kansas’s photo finish, and Sonoma) and Rookie of the Year honors in the Indianapolis 500, further enhancing bonus potential and visibility.

Consistent winning keeps performance bonuses flowing and sustains demand from sponsors, both of which are central to Larson’s year-to-year earnings.

Reasonable 2024–2025 Estimate

Based on current industry norms and Larson’s status at Hendrick Motorsports, his base salary likely sits around $1–3 million annually. Factoring in winnings, playoff bonuses, endorsements, and other income streams, a reasonable annual range is approximately $8–12+ million in a strong year, with upside tied to championships and major commercial activations.

How This Compares Across NASCAR

In the Next Gen era, driver retainers trended lower than the peak years of the 2010s, putting a premium on results-based pay and sponsor alignment. Larson’s combination of victories, title contention, and high-profile partnerships places him near the front of the current pay scale, though exact rankings vary as contracts, sponsorships, and performance shift season to season.

Summary

Kyle Larson’s salary is not publicly disclosed. The best current estimate places his base pay with Hendrick Motorsports around $1–3 million per year, with total annual compensation typically in the $8–12+ million range once winnings, bonuses, endorsements, and other income are included. His strong results since 2021 support those upper-tier earnings, which can rise further with championships and major sponsor deals.

Who is the richest NASCAR driver?

The richest NASCAR driver of all time is Dale Earnhardt Jr., with an estimated net worth of $300 million, primarily from his legendary racing career, current media ventures as a TV analyst and podcast host, his ownership of JR Motorsports, and brand endorsements. While he is retired from full-time racing, he maintains a powerful presence in NASCAR and the business world.
 
Sources of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Wealth 

• Racing Career: As a two-time Daytona 500 winner and 15-time NASCAR Most Popular Driver, his success on the track generated significant prize money and endorsement deals. 
• JR Motorsports: He is the owner of JR Motorsports, a successful Xfinity and Truck Series team, and holds a significant stake in the venture. 
• Media and Broadcasting: Earnhardt Jr. works as a television analyst, hosts a popular podcast, and runs a media production company, all of which contribute to his wealth. 
• Endorsements: His iconic status has led to numerous brand partnerships, further enhancing his income beyond his racing and business ventures. 

Other Richest Drivers

• Jeff Gordon: Opens in new tabThe second-richest retired driver, he has a net worth of approximately $230 million, partly due to his role as vice-chairman of Hendrick Motorsports. 
• Jimmie Johnson: Opens in new tabA seven-time Cup Series champion, Johnson is also a wealthy retired driver with an estimated net worth of $180 million. 
• Kyle Busch: Opens in new tabAs the highest-paid active driver in 2024, Busch’s wealth is substantial, though he is not the richest overall. 

What is Chase Elliott’s salary?

Chase Elliott’s annual salary is reportedly around $8 million, a figure that does not include additional earnings from endorsements, merchandise sales, or prize money, which can increase his total annual income. His salary is estimated by sources such as Statista and Front Office Sports, positioning him among the highest-earning NASCAR drivers, according to their 2025 reports.
 
Sources of Income

• Salary: Elliott’s base salary from Hendrick Motorsports is a significant component of his earnings. 
• Endorsements: He receives income from brand partnerships, with companies like NAPA and Chevrolet listed as sponsors. 
• Merchandise Sales: As NASCAR’s most popular driver for several years, Elliott sells a substantial amount of licensed merchandise, contributing significantly to his income. 
• Race Winnings: While a smaller portion compared to his salary and endorsements, race wins, including his 2020 All-Star Race victory, also contribute to his earnings. 

Key Points 

• Total earnings: While his base salary is approximately $8 million, his total annual income, including endorsements and merchandise, is higher, with the $8 million in salary likely being part of his total earnings.
• Market Standing: Elliott is considered one of NASCAR’s top earners and is among the highest-paid drivers in the sport.

How much do NASCAR haulers get paid?

A NASCAR hauler driver’s salary varies, but the average annual salary is around $77,000 to $80,000, or roughly $37 to $38 per hour as of September 2025, with a typical range from $49,000 (25th percentile) to over $109,000 (top earners). These figures can fluctuate based on location, with examples showing slightly different averages in California ($77,591) and Ontario, CA ($79,992), and in Texas ($22.40 – $38.51 for the main range). 
Factors influencing NASCAR hauler driver salaries:

• Location: Salaries can differ significantly by state and city, as seen in the data from California, Texas, and other regions. 
• Experience: Top earners with more experience or specialized skills can earn considerably more than the average. 
• Team: While specific team pay structures aren’t detailed in the results, it’s likely that the team’s budget and driver pay scale will influence compensation. 
• Role: Some hauler drivers also perform other duties, such as pit crew work or general team support, which can affect their overall compensation package. 
• Market Demand: A shortage of experienced drivers could potentially lead to higher salaries, as some teams may struggle to find qualified personnel, according to a Reddit post from 2019. 

How much does Hendrick pay Kyle Larson?

BEST OPPORTUNITY: Kyle Larson signed a 3 years , $315,159,700 contract Extension with the Hendrick Motorsports, including $232,159,700 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of…