Joel Waterman has quietly built one of the most respectable careers in Canadian soccer history.
From youth pitches in Aldergrove, British Columbia, to a FIFA World Cup roster and a new chapter with Chicago Fire FC, this article covers everything about his net worth, salary, contracts, and career earnings.
Joel Waterman’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joel Robert Waterman |
| Date of Birth | January 24, 1996 |
| Age | 30 |
| Place of Birth | Surrey, British Columbia, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Height | 6’2″ (1.88 m) |
| Weight | 172 lbs (78 kg) |
| Position | Centre-Back |
| Current Club | Chicago Fire FC (MLS) |
| Turned Professional | 2018 (Calgary Foothills, PDL) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $500,000 |
| Annual Salary | $555,400 (per MLSPA Salary Guide) |
| Contract Expires | December 31, 2027 |
| Relationship Status | Private |
Early Life and Career
Joel Robert Waterman was born on January 24, 1996, and grew up in Aldergrove, a suburb in the Fraser Valley region of British Columbia, Canada. His parents, Trent and Vicki Waterman, supported his passion for soccer from an early age.
He kicked his first ball at just five years old with Aldergrove Youth Soccer Club, and by the time he was twelve, he had already joined Langley United before moving on to Surrey United SC.
Waterman’s dedication stood out at every level. He represented British Columbia provincial teams and competed at the 2013 Canada Summer Games, an early indicator of his potential on the national stage.
His technical growth during those formative years was built on consistent work in local youth structures rather than elite academies, making his eventual rise to professional football a genuine grassroots story.
In 2014, Waterman enrolled at Trinity Western University in Langley and suited up for the TWU Spartans men’s soccer team. Over five college seasons, he appeared in 57 career matches — starting 48 of them — and registered nine goals and five assists.
He served as team captain and helped the Spartans claim a Canada West silver medal. He also earned selection to the Canada West All-Star team, recognition that underlined his quality well before any professional club came calling.
During off-seasons, Waterman sharpened his competitive edge with PDL clubs, most notably TSS FC Rovers and the Kitsap Pumas.
Those semi-professional stints kept him match-sharp and proved crucial in preparing him for the transition to full-time professional football.
Professional Career
Joel Waterman turned fully professional in 2018 when he signed with Calgary Foothills in the Premier Development League.
The following year, 2019, he joined newly formed Cavalry FC in the inaugural Canadian Premier League season. That debut professional campaign was remarkable.
According to MLSSoccer.com’s official player profile, Waterman made his professional debut in Cavalry’s first-ever competitive match and helped the club win both the Spring and Fall championships.
He also scored his first professional goal on October 5, 2019, heading home a corner in stoppage time against HFX Wanderers FC.
In January 2020, Waterman made history. As confirmed by the official CF Montréal announcement, he became the first player in Canadian Premier League history to transfer directly to Major League Soccer.
CF Montréal paid a reported fee of approximately €91,000 for his services, a milestone moment for the CPL’s credibility as a development league.
At Montréal, Waterman became a regular starter and a pillar of the backline. In 2021, he helped the club win the Canadian Championship final against Toronto FC at Stade Saputo.
He accumulated over 11,000 minutes of playing time across six MLS seasons, starting 125 of his 130 regular-season appearances. His leadership qualities saw him wear the captain’s armband on multiple occasions.
Waterman earned his first Canada senior cap in 2022 and went on to represent his country at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar — a moment that cemented his status as one of Canada’s most dependable defenders.
He followed that up with appearances at the 2024 Copa América and the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. As noted on his Transfermarkt profile, his current market value sits at €2.50 million.
In August 2025, Waterman moved to Chicago Fire FC in a trade that saw Montréal receive up to $600,000 in General Allocation Money. He signed a contract running through December 2027, with a club option for 2028
Joel Waterman’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Joel Waterman’s has an estimated net worth of $500,000.
He built this wealth primarily through his MLS contracts with CF Montréal and Chicago Fire FC. As a mid-level MLS starter without a Designated Player designation, his earnings reflect the financial realities of the league’s salary structure — solid and professional, though far from the high-earning bracket occupied by the league’s top stars.
Contract
Waterman joined Chicago Fire FC on August 20, 2025, via a trade from CF Montréal.
The deal, reported by the official Chicago Fire FC website, included $200,000 in General Allocation Money for 2025 and $300,000 for 2026, with a potential additional $100,000 tied to performance-based metrics.
His contract runs through December 31, 2027, and includes a club option for the 2028 season.
He was not given a new deal upon arrival; instead, he carried over the contract he had signed with Montréal in November 2024 — a three-year extension that had originally included a 2028 club option.
Salary
According to the MLS Players Association Salary Guide, Joel Waterman’s annual salary at Chicago Fire FC is $555,400 in guaranteed compensation.
Chicago Fire took on only $150,000 of his cap hit directly, with Montréal absorbing the remainder during the initial phase of the trade — a common mechanism in MLS trades.
His 2022 salary at Montréal was reported at $125,000, reflecting the significant raise he earned as his role developed into that of a first-choice starter and international representative.
The jump to over half a million dollars annually represents a career-best salary figure.
Career Earnings By Year
| Season | Club | Approx. Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Cavalry FC (CPL) | ~$40,000 |
| 2020 | CF Montréal (MLS) | ~$70,250 |
| 2021 | CF Montréal (MLS) | ~$80,000 |
| 2022 | CF Montréal (MLS) | $125,000 |
| 2023 | CF Montréal (MLS) | ~$200,000 |
| 2024 | CF Montréal (MLS) | ~$400,000 |
| 2025 | CF Montréal / Chicago Fire (MLS) | $555,400 |
| 2026 | Chicago Fire FC (MLS) | $555,400 |
Career Statistics
| Season | Club | Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Cavalry FC | Canadian Premier League | 21 | 1 | 0 |
| 2020 | CF Montréal | MLS | 7 | 0 | 1 |
| 2021 | CF Montréal | MLS | 22 | 0 | 2 |
| 2022 | CF Montréal | MLS | 32 | 3 | 2 |
| 2023 | CF Montréal | MLS | 28 | 1 | 1 |
| 2024 | CF Montréal | MLS | 26 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | CF Montréal / Chicago Fire | MLS | 27 | 1 | 1 |
| 2026 | Chicago Fire FC | MLS | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Total (MLS) | 147+ | 5+ | 7+ |
FAQs
What is Joel Waterman’s net worth?
Joel Waterman’s estimated net worth is approximately $500,000. He built this wealth through MLS contracts with CF Montréal and Chicago Fire FC, earning a current annual salary of $555,400.
How much does Joel Waterman earn per year?
He earns $555,400 in guaranteed annual compensation at Chicago Fire FC, according to the MLS Players Association Salary Guide. This is his career-best salary figure to date.
What club does Joel Waterman play?
He plays for Chicago Fire FC in Major League Soccer. The club acquired him from CF Montréal in August 2025 in exchange for up to $600,000 in General Allocation Money.
Has Joel Waterman played for the Canadian national team?
Yes, he has earned 10 senior caps for Canada. He represented his country at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the 2024 Copa América, and the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
What is Joel Waterman’s contract status at Chicago Fire?
His contract with Chicago Fire FC runs through December 31, 2027, with a club option that could extend it through the 2028 season. He carries over the deal he originally signed with CF Montréal in November 2024.
