It is a weird paradox. You see them every Sunday in high-definition, sparkling under stadium lights, the literal face of billion-dollar franchises. But for decades, the answer to how much does an nfl cheerleader make was basically "not enough to cover rent." Honestly, it’s kind of wild when you think about it. These are elite athletes performing for crowds of 80,000 people, yet many were essentially making what a part-time barista takes home.
But things are shifting. Fast.
If you’re looking at the numbers for the 2025-2026 season, the landscape looks nothing like it did even five years ago. We’ve seen massive lawsuits, viral Netflix documentaries, and a sudden, sharp realization from NFL front offices that paying world-class performers sub-minimum wage is a terrible look.
The Numbers Have Finally Shifted (Mostly)
For a long time, the standard "pro" pay was a flat fee. You’d get maybe $150 per game. That was it. No pay for the 20 hours of practice during the week. No pay for the hours spent on hair and makeup. You were basically a glorified volunteer with a great seat for the game.
According to latest data and reports from teams like the Dallas Cowboys—who usually set the pace for the rest of the league—the pay structure is becoming more "professional." As of early 2026, the average annual pay for an NFL cheerleader in the U.S. has climbed to roughly $45,100 a year.
That breaks down to about $21.68 an hour.
👉 See also: Ja Morant Height: Why the NBA Star Looks Bigger Than He Actually Is
Now, "average" is a tricky word here. It’s like saying the average person in a room with Jeff Bezos is a billionaire. Some squads are still lagging behind, while others have seen astronomical jumps.
The "America’s Sweethearts" Effect
The biggest news in the industry lately came out of Dallas. If you watched the second season of America’s Sweethearts on Netflix, you saw the bombshell: the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) secured a 400% pay increase starting with the 2025-2026 season.
Before this, veterans like Jada McLean were making roughly $15 an hour and $500 per game. After the raise? Veterans are reportedly making upwards of **$75 per hour**. For the top-tier veterans who do every appearance and every game, that can push their yearly earnings toward $150,000.
That is life-changing money. It’s the difference between needing four side hustles just to pay for a car and actually being a professional athlete.
Why the Pay Varies So Much
It’s not a flat rate across the league. Every team is its own business. The NFL doesn't set a "salary cap" for cheerleaders like they do for players. Because of that, your paycheck depends heavily on where you're dancing.
✨ Don't miss: Hulk Hogan Lifting Andre the Giant: What Really Happened at WrestleMania III
- Seniority is everything. Most teams use a tiered system. A "rookie" is going to make significantly less than a fourth or fifth-year veteran who has been named a group leader.
- The Appearance Fee Hustle. Games are only ten days out of the year (plus preseason). The real money—or at least the consistent money—comes from corporate events, charity galas, and calendar shoots. Some teams pay a flat $100 to $500 per appearance.
- State Labor Laws. This is a big one. In states like California and New York, lawsuits forced teams to classify cheerleaders as employees rather than "independent contractors." This meant they had to start paying for every single hour worked, including those grueling Tuesday night practices that go until 11 PM.
The Hidden Costs of the Pom-Poms
One thing most people get wrong about how much does an nfl cheerleader make is forgetting the "out-of-pocket" reality.
In the past, cheerleaders often had to pay for their own tights, specific makeup brands, and even some uniform maintenance. While many teams now cover these costs, there are still major expenses. Think about the physical toll. Most of these women are not provided with the same high-end health insurance or physical therapy that the players get. If you blow out an ACL during a halftime routine, the financial burden has historically fallen on the cheerleader.
Even today, with the pay raises, most contracts still don't include comprehensive health benefits. You’re essentially a seasonal, part-time employee, even if your "part-time" job requires the fitness level of an Olympian.
Real Examples of the Pay Gap
Let's look at some specific figures that have leaked through lawsuits and public filings over the last couple of years:
- The High End: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are now the gold standard, with veterans potentially hitting that six-figure mark if they stay busy with appearances.
- The Mid-Range: Teams in high-cost-of-living areas like the San Francisco 49ers or the New York Giants generally pay higher hourly wages (often $25-$30/hour) to comply with local laws.
- The Low End: There are still reports of teams paying closer to the federal minimum wage for practices, which, let's be real, is pennies compared to the revenue these teams generate.
Back in 2018, a lawsuit against the Cowboys revealed that the team's mascot, Rowdy, was making about $65,000 a year while the cheerleaders were making a fraction of that. That comparison was a huge catalyst for the public outcry that eventually led to the 400% raise we see today.
🔗 Read more: Formula One Points Table Explained: Why the Math Matters More Than the Racing
Is It a "Career" Yet?
Kinda. But mostly no.
For 90% of the women on these squads, cheerleading is still a supplement to a "real" career. You'll find nurses, teachers, accountants, and marketing execs on the sidelines. They do it for the love of the dance, the sisterhood, and the platform.
The platform is actually where the "hidden" income lives. Being an NFL cheerleader is a massive boost for a fitness influencer or a professional dancer. It opens doors to modeling gigs, hosting opportunities, and brand deals that wouldn't exist otherwise.
Actionable Takeaways for Aspiring Pro Dancers
If you are actually looking to audition or are just curious about the business side, keep these realities in mind:
- Negotiate Appearances: If you make the squad, the "base" pay is often non-negotiable, but being the person who says "yes" to every corporate appearance is how you double your income.
- Check the State Laws: If you're choosing between two teams, look at the labor laws in those states. A team in California is legally required to pay you more for your time than a team in a state with lower minimum wage protections.
- Budget for the "Off-Season": Remember, this is seasonal. The checks stop coming in February. Unless you have a year-round contract for community outreach, you need a plan for the spring and summer.
- Leverage the Brand: Use the title. The "NFL Cheerleader" tag on social media is worth more in sponsorship dollars than the actual paycheck from the team for many women.
The days of $75-a-game paychecks are mostly dying out, thanks to a mix of legal pressure and public shaming. While we aren't at "equal pay" with the guys on the field—and likely never will be given the jersey sales and TV deals—the move toward a living wage is finally happening.