Is there a minimum salary a player can earn in the NFL?

In 2009, $310k

In 2010, $325k

In 2011, $340k

In 2012, $355k

The NFL Players Union and the NFL owner's usually construct a new "minimum salary" deal every 4 or 5 years.

*** These numbers are accurate but are for players with zero years experience, i.e. rookies. The amounts go up with player experience, topping out at $845,000 in 2009 for players with 10 or more years experience. Also, unlike some or much of the money in the very high dollar contracts of the top players, none of this money is guaranteed. You have to play to get it.

Here's the whole chart through 2010:

Credited Seasons 2008 2009 2010

0 $295,000 $310,000 $325,000

1 $370,000 $385,000 $400,000

2 $445,000 $460,000 $475,000

3 $520,000 $535,000 $550,000

4-6 $605,000 $620,000 $635,000

7-9 $730,000 $745,000 $760,000

10+ $830,000 $845,000 $860,000