How Rangers and Celtic’s wage bills compare, highest earners and who’s outspending who

Celtic and Rangers are the top spenders in the Scottish Premiership and have plenty of high-quality players on their books – but who spends the most in wages?

Rangers and Celtic’s wage bills unsurprisingly far surpass other teams in the Scottish Premiership – with some players earning almost £2million a year.

The rivals regularly battle it out for the league title, with many superstar names having earned a healthy living at Ibrox and Parkhead – including the likes of Henrik Larsson and Paul Gascoigne. In 2024, both teams are cutting their losses with some players and bringing in new talents onto the wage bill – but who spends more than the other as things stand?

Gers boss Phillipe Clement reportedly demanded wages of £2.5m-a-year to become manager during the 2023/24 season, while Hoops gaffer Brendan Rodgers – in his second stint as boss – earns closer to £3m annually over a three-year period.

But who earns the most playing for each Glasgow club? And which team spends more over the year? Record Sport has detailed the highest earners, spenders and how much the reserves can earn without a regular starting spot.

Rangers and Celtic’s highest earners – a tale of leadership

According to Salary Sport, Celtic captain Callum McGregor is the highest earner on the wage bill at Parkhead – earning £37,000-a-week. This totals to a cool £1.9m a year as the homegrown midfielder is tied down to a deal until 2028 when he will turn 35.

In second place on the wage bill is American defender Cameron Carter-Vickers, who rakes in £24,000-a-week. The 26-year-old centre-half pulls in £1.2m a year at Parkhead and is contracted until 2029, reports TransferMarkt.

On the other side of Glasgow, centre-half and vice captain Connor Goldson makes the most dough at Rangers with a £37,000 weekly salary.