First, the basics. Every professional sumo wrestler (called a rikishi ) gets a monthly salary, but it’s not a flat “you’re huge, here’s a check” situation. Only the top two divisions—the Makuuchi and Juyo—actually earn a salary. The lower-ranked guys? They’re basically sumo interns, living on a modest allowance and a dream of eating free chanko nabe.
Once you claw your way into the salaried ranks, the minimum is around $8,000 per month. That’s not bad for a job where the uniform is a mawashi and your commute involves a dohyo. But don’t start planning a retirement party yet; that’s just the starting line for a sumo wrestler’s financial sumo match against the taxman.
