Ever typed “how much do NFL cheerleaders make” and ended up confused by old facts or random guesses?
I know I have. Especially after hearing about the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders getting a big raise thanks to that hit Netflix series, “America’s Sweethearts.”
After digging into the latest news, stories from former dancers like Kat Puryear, and even seeing pay compared to Chick-fil-A workers, there are some fresh updates for 2025. So, grab a drink and let’s walk through the real numbers—some of these details might actually surprise you.
Key Takeaways
Top Earners: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders received a massive 400% pay raise in 2025, with veterans now earning up to $75 per hour.
The League Average: Despite the headlines, most NFL cheerleaders still earn about $22,500 per year, often paid as independent contractors.
Game Day Pay: Rates vary wildly, from $150 per game for many squads to $400-$500 for top-tier teams like the Cowboys and Carolina Panthers.
The “Mascot Gap”: It’s a tough reality, but mascots often earn around $60,000 annually, and waterboys can make up to $53,000—both significantly more than the average cheerleader.
Hidden Costs: Most teams do not cover health insurance, and dancers often pay out-of-pocket for their own hair, makeup, and training to stay game-ready.
Table of Contents
How is the pay structured for NFL cheerleaders?
NFL cheerleader pay has a lot of twists, kind of like their dance routines. Each squad sets its own rates, with many paying by the game or for special appearances.
What are the typical fees per game and appearance for NFL cheerleaders?
I’ve always been curious about how cheerleader pay stacks up in the NFL. Every time I watch those high kicks, I wonder if they’re getting more than just applause.
The short answer? It’s complicated. Here is how the paycheck actually breaks down for most of these athletes:
- The “Per Game” Fee: For years, the standard was shockingly low. In 2014, reports showed Chargers cheerleaders made just $75 per game. In 2025, that average has crept up to around $150 per game for many teams, though elite squads pay significantly more.
- Hourly Practice Pay: This is where the lawsuits changed things. After major settlements with teams like the Raiders and Bengals, many squads now must pay minimum wage for practice time. For the Cowboys, this is around $12.50 to $15 per hour.
- The Public Appearance Hustle: This is often where the real money is. Corporate events or grand openings can pay between $50 and $500 per hour depending on the dancer’s tenure.
- The “Glamour” Tax: Here is the kicker—many cheerleaders spend a fortune just to keep the job. I found that things like hair salon visits, makeup, and gym memberships are often not covered by the team, eating into those already slim earnings.
Most of these women are balancing this schedule with full-time jobs or school. Kat Puryear, a former Cowboys cheerleader, famously said she made less than a Chick-fil-A worker during her time on the squad. It puts the “glamour” into perspective, doesn’t it?
Also, a random thought hits me during Sunday games: plenty of people wager on outcomes—maybe you do too? Ever wondered if cheerleaders get into betting? My guess is they’re probably more focused on routines than picks, but hey, conflict of interest doesn’t seem likely since they never touch the football themselves.
If betting is your thing or you want some help picking this week’s winner, check out Doc’s Expert NFL picks. Now that’s one way fans can cash in too!
How much do NFL cheerleaders earn annually on average?
Most NFL cheerleaders are paid as independent contractors, not full-time employees. The yearly salary for many hovers around $22,500, according to data from NBC Sports Boston.
To give you a comparison that kind of hurts to read:
“While an NFL cheerleader might take home $22,500, the person inside the mascot costume often earns $60,000, and waterboys can bank upwards of $53,000 a year.”
There are some big outliers, though. The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders stand at the top of the pile. Recent changes mean some veterans on that squad can now snag over $75 per hour for their work, pushing their potential season earnings up to $75,000.
But for the majority? Paychecks arrive from scattered game-day appearances and events with little left after taxes. It’s definitely a passion project for most.
Recent changes in NFL cheerleaders’ pay
Many squads now get bigger paychecks, thanks to fresh contracts and court cases. Some teams in hot markets like Dallas and New York have raised cheerleader wages faster than a running back sprints down the field.
Which NFL teams have given notable pay raises to cheerleaders?
NFL cheerleader salaries have made headlines in recent years, especially after some major bumps in pay. I noticed a few teams really stood out for giving their squads a much-needed raise.
- Dallas Cowboys (The “Netflix” Effect): This is the big one. After the Netflix docuseries “America’s Sweethearts” exposed the financial struggles of the team, the organization announced a 400% raise for 2025. Veterans like Jada McLean have confirmed that hourly rates for top-tier dancers jumped from around $15 to $75 per hour.
- Carolina Panthers (The TopCats): The Panthers are quietly one of the best-paying organizations for dancers. Reports indicate the TopCats can earn up to $75,000 annually, putting them on par with the new Cowboys pay scale.
- Las Vegas Raiders (The Legal Shift): The Raiderettes were pivotal in changing the industry. After a landmark $1.25 million settlement a few years back, they moved from a low flat fee to earning $9 per hour plus overtime and back pay. It wasn’t a “raise” in the traditional sense, but it forced the team to follow minimum wage laws.
- San Francisco 49ers (Gold Rush): Similar to the Raiders, the Gold Rush squad saw pay improvements following a lawsuit that revealed some dancers were earning as little as $2.75 an hour in previous years.
Salaries can hang on several factors though, especially which team you join or where that team sits in popularity and market size. Next up is how these different aspects play into what NFL cheerleaders actually earn year after year.
How does pay differ between NFL teams?
Paychecks for NFL cheerleaders aren’t cut from the same cloth. Some squads rake in more per game, while others pinch pennies.
Here is a breakdown that hits home for any guy who’s ever wondered what the split looks like in pro football’s sideline scene.
| Team | Game Pay (Est. 2025) | Annual Potential | Notable Perks/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders | $400 – $500 | Up to $75,000 | 400% raise in 2025; highest media exposure. |
| Carolina Panthers TopCats | $500+ | Up to $75,000 | Consistently cited as a top-paying squad. |
| Las Vegas Raiderettes | Hourly ($9+ OT) | Varies by Hours | Pay structured legally as hourly employees post-lawsuit. |
| Baltimore Ravens | ~$100 – $150 | ~$15,000 – $22,500 | Standard league rates; reputable program. |
| League Average | $150 | ~$22,500 | Most dancers work 2nd jobs to support this role. |
Team owners call their own shots on salary. Bigger market teams like Dallas and Charlotte throw down better money. Squads in smaller markets or those without major media deals often stick to the lower end.
A guy glancing at these numbers sees pay is tied to the popularity of the team, size of the city, and how many eyes are glued to the games. Some squads, like the Cowboys and Panthers, treat their cheerleaders like royalty. Others still treat it like a side hustle. The gap between top and bottom can be wider than a goalpost—proof that not all sideline gigs are created equal.
What factors affect NFL cheerleaders’ pay?
NFL cheerleader pay is not one-size-fits-all. Team value, city size, and how long you’ve been on the squad all play a part in your paycheck.
How do team popularity and market size influence pay?
Bigger teams and flashy markets like Dallas, Los Angeles, and New York shell out more for their cheerleaders. The Cowboys sit at the top in 2025 with a $12.8 billion valuation; no surprise they’ve got room to pay higher salaries than a small-market squad.
I’ve seen firsthand that strong team popularity pulls in fans, boosts sponsorship cash, and even helps cheer squads land better appearance fees. With bigger brands wanting partnerships, some cheerleaders on big-name teams double-dip through social media deals tied to all that extra fame.
Check out this gallery of the hottest NFL cheerleaders and dancers from these famous franchises; you’ll see exactly how much star power comes from cheering for America’s favorite teams.
Does experience and seniority impact cheerleader earnings?
Experience and seniority make a big difference in NFL cheerleader pay. Just like in any job, the rookies start at the bottom.
- The Veteran Bump: As I mentioned earlier regarding the Cowboys, tenure pays off. A 5th-year veteran can command $75+ per hour, whereas a rookie might still be climbing the ladder.
- Appearance Fees: Jada McLean shared that during her final season, she was pulling in $500 per appearance. That is a significant jump from the $50-$100 a rookie might see for a local grocery store opening.
- Leadership Roles: “Group Leaders” or “Captains” often get an extra stipend. They run the practices and help manage the squad, so the teams throw a little extra cash their way.
However, there is a ceiling. After about five seasons, the raises generally stop. No matter how many high kicks you’ve mastered or how sharp your smile gets, there is a limit to how much a team will pay for a sideline dancer.
How Will NFL Cheerleader Pay Change in 2025?
In 2025, things look different for NFL cheerleaders, mostly thanks to the Dallas Cowboys setting a new precedent.
The squad’s 400% wage hike has sent ripples through the league. When the most visible team in the world starts paying $75 an hour, other teams start to feel the pressure to match it, or at least come close, to attract top talent.
But let’s be real about what hasn’t changed:
- No Super Bowl Bonus: While players can earn a $164,000 bonus for winning the Super Bowl, cheerleaders usually get their standard game fee and a per diem for food. There is no six-figure check waiting for them after the confetti falls.
- Health Insurance Gap: Despite the raises, health insurance is still rarely included in these contracts. For athletes putting their bodies on the line every week, that is a glaring omission.
Advocacy groups keep pushing for fairer treatment and perks across all squads around the league. So far, the fine print stays locked away from prying eyes; teams aren’t publishing those fresh numbers just yet.
As things shift, I’ll be watching to see if other franchises step up to reward these athletes anytime soon.
People Also Ask
How much do NFL cheerleaders make in 2025?
While the industry standard still hovers around $150 per game for most squads, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders shattered this ceiling in 2025 with a pay raise that now sees veterans earning over $75 an hour. For cheerleaders on other teams, annual earnings are significantly lower, typically ranging from $22,500 to $35,000 depending on hourly practice pay.
Do all football team dancers get the same salary?
No, pay varies wildly by franchise; a veteran on a premier squad like Dallas can now earn nearly $75,000 a year, while dancers in smaller markets often scrape by on minimum wage for their mandatory practice hours.
Are there other ways for NFL cheerleaders to boost their income?
Yes, high-paying public appearances are often more lucrative than the games themselves. Teams like the Baltimore Ravens charge up to $300 per cheerleader per hour for corporate events, which provides a massive boost compared to standard game-day fees.
Why don’t professional football dancers make as much as players?
The league historically classifies these roles as part-time “brand ambassador” positions rather than full-time athletic jobs, allowing owners to avoid paying full salaries and health benefits despite the rigorous physical demands.
