Everyone knows the uniform. The blue stars, the white vest, the iconic pom-poms—the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) are basically the gold standard of professional dance. They have their own reality show, millions of followers, and a brand that spans the entire globe. But here’s the kicker. For years, there has been this weird, lingering question: do cowboys cheerleaders get paid enough to actually survive? Honestly, the answer is way more complicated than a simple yes or no.
It’s a strange world. These women are elite athletes. They train like Olympians, perform in front of 80,000 screaming fans, and handle a media schedule that would break most influencers. Yet, historically, their bank accounts haven’t exactly matched their fame. For a long time, being a DCC was treated more like a "prestigious internship" than a professional career. That’s changing, but slowly. If you think they're pulling in six figures just because they play for "America’s Team," you’re in for a reality check.
The Reality of the DCC Game Day Paycheck
So, let’s talk numbers. Because that’s why you’re here.
In the past, the pay was notoriously low. We are talking "gas money" levels of low. Back in the early 2000s, it wasn't uncommon for cheerleaders to make about $50 to $75 per game. Think about that. You spend 40 hours a week rehearsing, you maintain a specific physical look, you perform for four hours in the Texas heat, and you walk away with less than a hundred bucks. It's wild.
Fast forward to today. Following several high-profile lawsuits across the NFL—not just involving the Cowboys, but teams like the Raiders and Buccaneers—wages have seen a bump. Most reports and insider accounts now suggest that Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders earn roughly $15 to $20 per hour. On top of that hourly rate, they receive a game-day fee which usually sits around $500 per home game.
If you do the math on a standard season, it’s not a lot. With ten home games (including preseason), that’s $5,000 in game fees. Add in the hourly practice pay, and most of these women are likely clearing somewhere between **$15,000 and $25,000 per year**.
Is that a living wage in Dallas? Not even close.
This is why almost every single woman on the squad has a "real" job. You’ll see nurses, school teachers, dental hygienists, and corporate recruiters wearing those boots on Sundays. They have to. The DCC gig is basically a full-time commitment with a part-time paycheck. They do it for the love of the dance, the platform, and the sisterhood, but they certainly aren't doing it to get rich off the Cowboys' payroll.
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Why the Pay Structure Is So Controversial
You might be wondering why a franchise worth billions of dollars—the most valuable sports team on the planet—doesn't just pay their cheerleaders a flat $75,000 salary. It’s a valid point. Jerry Jones isn't exactly hurting for cash.
The controversy usually boils down to the "privilege" argument. The organization has historically viewed the position as an opportunity. They argue that the exposure a woman gets as a DCC is worth more than the hourly wage. And to be fair, for some, it is. Being a DCC can lead to modeling contracts, television hosting gigs, and massive social media sponsorships. If you have 200,000 Instagram followers because you’re on the squad, you can make way more from a single " #ad" post than you do from an entire month of rehearsals.
But critics say that's a cop-out.
The Lawsuits That Changed Everything
We can't talk about whether do cowboys cheerleaders get paid without mentioning Erica Wilkins. In 2018, Wilkins, a former DCC, filed a lawsuit against the organization. She alleged that she was paid less than the team’s mascot, Rowdy.
Let that sink in.
The person in the big foam hat was making significantly more than the elite dancers who are the face of the franchise's marketing. Wilkins claimed she made about $8 per hour during her first year. The lawsuit eventually led to a settlement, and while the exact terms were private, it forced a massive conversation about fair pay in the NFL. Since then, pay scales have tipped upward, but many still argue they haven't tipped far enough.
The "Hidden" Costs of Being a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader
Here is something nobody talks about: it's expensive to be a cheerleader.
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While the team provides the iconic uniforms, the upkeep is grueling. There are "expectations." Your hair needs to be perfect. Your tan needs to be on point. Your nails have to be a specific style. In many cases, the women have to pay for their own salon visits, gym memberships, and specialized makeup. If you're making $20,000 a year but spending $5,000 of that on "upkeep" required for the job, your take-home pay starts looking pretty grim.
It's a lifestyle. You're expected to be "on" 24/7. If you're out at a grocery store and a fan recognizes you, you represent the Star.
The Appearance Fee Loophole
If there is a "big money" side to being a cheerleader, it’s in the special appearances. This is where the top-tier veterans make their extra cash.
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are a traveling brand. They do corporate events, grand openings, and international tours to visit military bases. For these private events, the organization charges a hefty fee. A portion of that fee goes to the cheerleaders involved.
- Show Group: This is the elite subset of the squad (usually about 10-12 women) who are the best of the best. They get the most travel opportunities and, consequently, the most appearance pay.
- Calendar Shoots: While the trip to an exotic location is paid for, the actual "pay" for the calendar work has historically been a point of contention.
- Merchandise: Do they get a cut of the posters or Barbie dolls? Usually, no. That money stays with the brand.
Comparing DCC Pay to Other NFL Staff
It is always jarring to compare these numbers to other people on the sidelines.
The water boys? They often make more.
The assistant equipment managers? They definitely make more.
The players? We won't even go there. Even a practice squad player earns hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The defense for this is usually that the cheerleaders are "entertainment" and not "football operations." It’s a legal distinction that allows teams to categorize them differently. But if you've ever been to AT&T Stadium, you know the cheerleaders are a massive part of the "show." They are the reason many fans arrive early. They are the faces on the programs.
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What the Future Looks Like for Cheerleader Compensation
The "Netflix Effect" is real. With the 2024 documentary series America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, the curtain was pulled back even further. Viewers saw the blood, sweat, and tears. They saw the injuries. They saw the women working their "9 to 5" jobs before heading to the stadium for a five-hour practice that ends at midnight.
Public pressure is a powerful tool. As fans become more aware of the disparity between the DCC's fame and their bank accounts, the organization is feeling the heat to modernize their compensation. We are starting to see a shift toward treating these women as the professional athletes they are.
Honestly, the "prestige" argument is dying. In 2026, you can't pay rent with prestige. People want to see fair compensation for labor, especially when that labor is as physically demanding as professional dance.
How to Track DCC Earnings Moving Forward
If you're looking for the most accurate, up-to-date info on what they're making right now, you have to look at state labor filings and the occasional "leak" from former members. Because these women sign strict Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), they can't just hop on TikTok and show their pay stubs.
However, the general consensus among sports business analysts is that we will see a move toward a "livable" flat salary within the next few years. The risk of more lawsuits and bad PR is just too high for the Cowboys to ignore.
Practical Insights for the Fan or Aspiring Dancer
If you are thinking about auditioning or just curious about the business of the blue and white, keep these realities in mind:
- Don't Quit Your Day Job: If you make the squad, you still need a primary source of income. Treat DCC as a high-level side hustle or a passion project that might pay off later in your career.
- The Value is in the Brand: The real money isn't in the $500 game check. It's in the "Former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader" title you get to put on your resume or your business for the rest of your life.
- Prepare for Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Budget for the "look." Until the team covers every single salon visit and cosmetic requirement, you'll be footing part of the bill for your own professional appearance.
- Understand the Contract: Read the fine print on appearance fees. Not every cheerleader gets the same opportunities for extra cash; it's heavily weighted toward the veterans and the "Show Group."
- Leverage Social Media: If you make the team, your following will explode. Use that platform responsibly to build a personal brand that can sustain you long after you hang up the pom-poms.
The question of do cowboys cheerleaders get paid is no longer just about a paycheck; it's about the value of women's labor in professional sports. While they are paid, the "gap" between their contribution and their compensation remains one of the most talked-about topics in the NFL world.