Scottish Premiership 2024-25: Clubs Ranked On Wage Bill
The Scottish Premiership is home to a wide range of financial profiles, from globally recognized clubs to community-focused teams. However, not every Scottish club spend a similar kind of money on players. In this article, we have the Scottish Premiership clubs ranked on the wage bill. The figures provided offer insights into each club’s investment in talent, their financial strategy, and their relative resources within the league.
12. Dundee United – £2.5 Million
Dundee United is the team with the smallest annual wage bill at £2.5 million. While this lower budget limits their player recruitment options compared to other clubs, Dundee United focuses on developing young players and building a resilient team culture. Their goal is to remain competitive with similarly budgeted clubs while fostering talents that can potentially generate revenue through transfers.
11. St. Johnstone – £2.6 Million
With a wage bill of £2.6 million, St. Johnstone has adopted a budget-conscious approach, investing carefully to remain competitive in the Premiership. Known for their disciplined, team-oriented style of play, St. Johnstone maximizes the value they get from each player. This wage bill helps the club aim to avoid relegation.
10. Ross County – £2.8 Million
Ross County, based in the Scottish Highlands, operates with a modest wage bill of £2.8 million. The club’s financial approach prioritizes sustainability, focusing on young, talented players and a cohesive team strategy. Ross County’s relatively low payroll limits their ability to compete with the top-tier clubs but reflects their strong commitment to financial responsibility.
9. Kilmarnock – £3.2 Million
Kilmarnock’s £3.2 million wage bill reflects a carefully measured approach to spending, consistent with their emphasis on stability. A well-established club with a strong presence in Scottish football, Kilmarnock manages its resources efficiently, allowing them to stay competitive without risking financial instability. The club aims for steady performances and secure league positions, with hopes of occasional pushes into the top half of the table.
8. St. Mirren – £3.4 Million
St. Mirren’s wage bill stands at £3.4 million, reflecting a commitment to building a squad that can hold its own in the Premiership. Known for a loyal fan base, the Paisley-based club balances its resources carefully, focusing on local talents and cost-effective acquisitions. St. Mirren’s investment in wages keeps them competitive, especially in matches against clubs with similar budgets.
7. Dundee – £3.5 Million
Dundee FC, with an annual wage bill of £3.5 million, operates with a strategic approach to spending, targeting stability and competitiveness in Scotland’s top flight. The club’s investment in wages is aimed at maintaining a balanced squad capable of competing against similar-budget clubs while avoiding the financial risks associated with overspending.
6. Motherwell – £3.7 Million
With a wage bill of £3.7 million, Motherwell emphasizes sustainable spending while fielding a competitive squad. Known for their player development and a strong connection to the local community, Motherwell’s financial approach prioritizes stability. This wage bill supports a squad that competes well against teams of similar financial stature, often aiming for a secure mid-table finish.
5. Aberdeen – £4.7 Million
Aberdeen, one of Scotland’s more prominent clubs outside of Glasgow and Edinburgh, has a payroll of £4.7 million. With a rich history and a competitive spirit, Aberdeen aims to challenge the top clubs with a modest, yet focused financial strategy. Their payroll supports a blend of experienced players and promising talents, which has helped Aberdeen stay competitive and push for European qualification in recent seasons.
4. Hearts – £5 Million
An Edinburgh club, Hearts, comes in with a wage bill of £5 million. Known for a passionate fan base and a solid competitive track record, Hearts have allocated funds to build a well-rounded squad. This spending level enables them to remain competitive, especially in matchups with rivals Hibernian. Hearts’ payroll reflects a strategic approach to stay competitive without overextending financially, ensuring stability while aiming for top-half finishes.
3. Hibernian – £6.4 Million
Occupying a distant third in terms of wage expenditure is Hibernian, with an annual payroll of £6.4 million. Based in Edinburgh, Hibernian is one of Scotland’s historic clubs and has steadily increased its spending in recent years. This expenditure enables them to attract quality players and contend in the upper half of the league. However, their wage bill is still a fraction of what the Old Firm clubs spend, highlighting the financial disparity within the league.
2. Celtic – £21.7 Million
Close behind Rangers, Celtic’s wage bill stands at £21.7 million, underscoring the significant financial muscle of Glasgow’s football giant. Known for their success in both the league and Europe, Celtic have invested heavily in high-caliber players, including Kyogo Furuhashi and Callum McGregor. The club’s substantial payroll highlights their dedication to competing at the highest levels, both domestically and abroad, striving to consistently maintain their edge in Scotland and make impactful runs in European tournaments.
1. Rangers – £24.4 Million
Leading the league with the highest wage bill, Rangers boast an annual payroll of £24.4 million. The Glasgow-based club is one half of the “Old Firm” rivalry, competing fiercely with Celtic for dominance in Scottish football. With top earners like James Tavernier and significant spending on a competitive squad, Rangers’ investment reflects their ambition both domestically and in European competitions. This high expenditure on wages is indicative of their commitment to maintain and grow their position as a powerhouse within Scottish football.