Middlesbrough, Leeds, and a few other Championship clubs are chasing promotion this season—but not all are doing it on equal financial footing. While some teams are operating with modest wage bills, others are stacking their squads with high earners, hoping experience and star power will tip the scales.

We’ve taken a closer look at the top-paid players in the Championship and ranked them from lowest to highest based on their weekly and yearly salaries.

25. Ben Gibson – £35,000 per week / £1,820,000 per year

Veteran center-back Ben Gibson plays for Stoke City. While not the flashiest name, his leadership and reliability still command respect at Championship level.

24. Ben Brereton – £35,000 per week / £1,820,000 per year

Now at Sheffield United, Brereton brings flair and goal-scoring instincts to the attack. His international experience with Chile adds a unique edge.

23. Ethan Ampadu – £40,000 per week / £2,080,000 per year

The Welsh international is a key player for Leeds United. Ampadu’s composure and versatility justify his significant wage.

22. Emmanuel Dennis – £40,000 per week / £2,080,000 per year

Blackburn’s Emmanuel Dennis brings Premier League pedigree and attacking threat. He remains one of the league’s most dangerous forwards.

21. Josh Cullen – £40,000 per week / £2,080,000 per year

Burnley’s midfield engine, Cullen is crucial to the team’s rhythm and balance. His consistency is reflected in his solid paycheck.

20. Joe Rodon – £40,000 per week / £2,080,000 per year

On loan at Leeds United, Rodon adds physicality and calm to the defense. The Welshman’s performances have been dependable week after week.

19. Angelo Ogbonna – £45,000 per week / £2,340,000 per year

The Italian veteran is now leading Watford’s back line. Ogbonna brings years of top-flight experience to the club’s promotion bid.

18. Moussa Sissoko – £45,000 per week / £2,340,000 per year

A mainstay in Watford’s midfield, Sissoko remains a high-energy presence. The former Tottenham star is still a valuable Championship performer.

17. Brenden Aaronson – £45,000 per week / £2,340,000 per year

The American international is a creative force for Leeds United. Aaronson’s technique and movement make him a key figure in attack.

16. Samuel Iling-Junior – £45,000 per week / £2,340,000 per year

Middlesbrough’s young winger is one of the league’s rising stars. Iling-Junior’s explosive style comes with a top-tier wage.

15. Calum Chambers – £45,000 per week / £2,340,000 per year

Now at Cardiff City, Chambers is valued for his versatility. He’s capable of covering multiple roles across the back and midfield lines.

14. Josh Brownhill – £45,000 per week / £2,340,000 per year

Brownhill’s all-action midfield role at Burnley is vital to their campaign. His leadership and work rate are as impressive as his wage.

13. Rob Holding – £45,000 per week / £2,340,000 per year

Sheffield United’s defense benefits from Holding’s Arsenal experience. He brings structure and aerial dominance to their back line.

12. Aaron Ramsey – £50,000 per week / £2,600,000 per year

A huge name in Welsh football, Ramsey now plies his trade at Cardiff City. Injuries aside, his vision and experience are unmatched.

11. Lewis O’Brien – £50,000 per week / £2,600,000 per year

Now at Swansea, O’Brien brings energy and attacking drive from midfield. His salary reflects his status as a key starter.

10. Daniel James – £50,000 per week / £2,600,000 per year

The electric winger remains a weapon for Leeds United. James combines pace and effort to stretch defenses across the league.

9. Pascal Struijk – £50,000 per week / £2,600,000 per year

Struijk is one of Leeds’ defensive mainstays. His strength and timing make him a reliable option in central defense.

8. Hamza Choudhury – £50,000 per week / £2,600,000 per year

Sheffield United’s midfield enforcer, Choudhury is known for his tough tackles and stamina. His salary fits his combative role.

7. Manor Solomon – £60,000 per week / £3,120,000 per year

The Israeli playmaker is a creative spark for Leeds United. Solomon’s technical quality is matched by his significant wage.

6. Junior Firpo – £60,000 per week / £3,120,000 per year

Also at Leeds, Firpo offers attacking support from left-back. Despite injuries, his salary shows how much the club values him.

5. Nathaniel Phillips – £65,000 per week / £3,380,000 per year

Derby County’s star signing, Phillips brings steel and Premier League pedigree to the defense. His salary leads the way at the club.

4. Enzo Le Fée – £67,500 per week / £3,510,000 per year

The French midfielder is Sunderland’s most creative talent. His vision and flair make him one of the Championship’s standout playmakers.

3. Patrick Bamford – £70,000 per week / £3,640,000 per year

Bamford continues to lead the line for Leeds United. Despite injuries, his goal-scoring history and loyalty make him a cornerstone at Elland Road.

2. Mason Holgate – £70,000 per week / £3,640,000 per year

At West Bromwich Albion, Holgate is a defensive leader. His wage reflects his Premier League background and importance to the squad.

1. Kelechi Iheanacho – £75,000 per week / £3,900,000 per year

Middlesbrough’s Kelechi Iheanacho tops the Championship wage list. A proven Premier League striker, he’s expected to power Boro’s promotion charge.