How much does a casino dealer make?
a year · about $17 an hour
A typical casino dealer in the United States makes $34,320 a year, about $17 an hour, below a typical US worker ($50,980) (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
At a table, a dealer checks the cards or dice, welcomes players, explains the rules, and announces each turn. They keep the game moving, collect losing bets, pay winners, and answer questions.
Did you know? Casino dealers are often required to know at least two games—usually blackjack or craps.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $24,040 and $77,090How do you become one?
Finish high school or an equivalent, then learn games through casino training or dealer school; some employers audition applicants. You need a state gaming license, and the legal starting age varies by state—for example, Michigan requires gaming workers to be 21.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like keeping things organized and leading and selling
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., experience, the games a dealer can handle, the casino, and its location can affect pay. Tips can change with the game, busy shifts, and whether tips are shared; a state gaming license is required, and useful skills or credentials may help.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Wisconsin ($61,670), lowest in Louisiana ($17,760).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $24,040 | $34,320 | $77,090 | about 84,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $61,670 | about 630 |
| Arizona | $60,940 | about 2,000 |
| Washington | $58,700 | about 4,000 |
| New York | $50,860 | about 2,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $48,230 | about 3,000 |
Official definition: Operate table games. Stand or sit behind table and operate games of chance by dispensing the appropriate number of cards or blocks to players, or operating other gambling equipment. Distribute winnings or collect players’ money or chips. May compare the house’s hand against players’ hands.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/gaming-services-occupations.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/39-3011.00
- www.michigan.gov/mgcb/detroit-casinos/select-occupational/info/casino-employees-
- www.casino.org/blog/how-much-do-casino-dealers-make-salary-tips-benefits
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY