The MLS minimum salary is set through the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the league and the MLS Players Association. For senior roster players, the minimum is approximately $65,500 per year, while reserve roster players can earn as low as approximately $56,000.
These figures are modest compared to other major North American sports leagues, but they represent significant increases from MLS's early years when minimum salaries were as low as $24,000. The minimum salary has been a key negotiating point in CBA discussions, with players advocating for higher floors to ensure all roster members can earn a livable wage. Housing costs in many MLS markets can make the minimum salary challenging, which is why many lower-paid players supplement their income during the offseason.