How Times Square’s Naked Cowboy Makes Money in NYC

Robert Burck, better known as the Naked Cowboy, earns an average of $150,000 a year entertaining tourists in Times Square, according to Business Insider. The 55-year-old performer lives in Queens, New York, and has spent more than two decades working in his signature cowboy boots, hat, and underwear.

Burck’s business is not limited to tips from Times Square crowds. Business Insider reports that he also boosts his income through merchandise, Cameo videos, appearances, and licensing his iconic persona.

The segment is part of Business Insider’s video coverage under “The Pay Check,” which follows people across professions and income levels to show what they earn and how they spend. For Burck, the focus is how he earns, spends, budgets, and invests while living in one of the most expensive cities in the US.

The Naked Cowboy’s earnings show how a public persona can become a diversified income source. The practical lesson is clear: a recognizable brand can create multiple revenue streams when paired with consistent visibility, licensing opportunities, and direct-to-fan products.