How Much Do Professional Football Cheerleaders Get Paid

So, you want to know how much professional football cheerleaders get paid? Grab your pom-poms and a seat, because the answer is going to make you gasp, laugh, and maybe weep into your nachos. Spoiler alert: It’s not enough to buy the team owner a new yacht—or even a used jet ski.

The Starting Lineup: Peanuts and Pride

Let’s just rip the bandage off. Most NFL cheerleaders make less than minimum wage when you factor in the hours. We’re talking anywhere from $7 to $15 per hour for game-day work, but that’s like saying a clown makes money just for the birthday party—it ignores the face painting, balloon animals, and crying toddlers before the cake.

In reality, a rookie cheerleader might earn a flat $75 to $150 per game. Sounds okay, right? Until you realize they’re practicing three to four nights a week, plus game days, appearances, and charity events. That’s like being paid for one slice of pizza at a party where you made the entire buffet.

The Math That Hurts

If you do the math on a typical season (10 home games plus possible playoffs), a rookie brings home about $1,000 to $2,500 total. That’s less than the cost of a single decent used car tire. And yet, they’re required to own their own makeup, hair extensions, and custom boots that cost hundreds of dollars.

One former cheerleader for the Cincinnati Bengals told the press she spent $3,000 a year on hair and makeup. So, congratulations: you’re paying the team for the privilege of smiling through concussions in six-inch heels.

How Much Do NFL Cheerleaders Make (2026) | Baller Circuit

The “Benefits” Are Hilarious

Don’t worry—they get some perks. Like a free parking spot? Ha! Nope. Many cheerleaders pay for their own parking at the stadium. One cheerleader for the Oakland Raiders famously earned $1,250 for the entire season after parking fees and mandatory uniform costs. She literally paid to work.

But wait—there’s more! Some teams offer a “game day meal” (a sandwich and a soda) or a 50% discount at the team store. That’s like winning a ham sandwich after running a marathon. Also, cheerleaders often have to sign away the rights to their own image, meaning the team can use their smile on a billboard without paying them a dime. Smooch.

The Lawsuits That Made Waves

In 2014, a former Oakland Raiders cheerleader filed a lawsuit that shook the NFL. She claimed the team paid cheerleaders less than $5 per hour and docked pay for things like “not smiling enough.” The court settled for $1.25 million—but the cheerleaders themselves only got a few hundred each. The lawyers got the rest. Cue sad trombone.

How much NFL cheerleaders are paid for Seahawks-Patriots Super Bowl LX

Then came the Washington Commanders’ former cheerleaders, who sued over having to work for free at a team trip to Costa Rica—where they were forced to be “escorts” for wealthy donors. That lawsuit led to a historic $3.6 million settlement and a new rule: cheerleaders now get paid for appearances. Again, the dancers got peanuts; the lawyers got the plantation.

Wait, What About the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders?

Ah, the Cadillac of cheerleading. The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are the world’s most famous squad, and they actually get paid slightly better. They earn around $15 to $20 per hour for game days and appearances, plus a per diem for travel. But even they don’t make a living wage—most have day jobs as nurses, teachers, or fitness instructors.

One former DCC cheerleader famously said she made $500 for a 12-hour game day after all the rehearsals. That’s about $41.67 an hour—for one day. Then the rest of the week? Zero. So that’s like getting paid for one amazing dinner and eating ramen for the other six nights.

How Much Do NFL Cheerleaders Make?

The Real Surprise: They’re Not Employees

Here’s the kicker: most NFL cheerleaders are classified as independent contractors. That means no overtime, no health insurance, no paid sick leave, and no Worker’s Comp if you twist an ankle doing a split. If you break a nail? That’s your problem, sis.

In 2020, the NFL finally allowed cheerleaders to be classified as employees after massive public pressure. But only a handful of teams have actually done it. So your favorite cheerleader might still be filling out a W-9 form and hoping for a tax refund. Oh, and speaking of taxes—cheerleaders often have to pay self-employment tax on that $500 season bonus. Yes, the IRS wants a piece of your pom-pom money.

So, Why Do They Do It?

Great question! The same reason people climb Mount Everest in a dress: passion and dreams. For many, it’s the chance to dance on a national stage, inspire young girls, and be part of something bigger than a bank account. Plus, the residual fame can lead to modeling gigs, TV spots, or a spot on Dancing with the Stars (looking at you, former Dallas cheerleader Melissa Rycroft).

How much do NFL cheerleaders make each football season and who is the

But let’s be real: the NFL makes billions in revenue. Teams pay quarterbacks $40 million a season to throw a ball, while cheerleaders get paid in cold weather and hot dogs. One cheerleader famously said, “I make more money at my part-time job at J.Crew than I do cheering.” And she wasn’t joking.

The Bottom Line

Professional football cheerleaders earn an average of $5,000 to $10,000 per year—if they’re lucky. That’s less than a McDonald’s crew member working full-time. And yet, they smile through rain, snow, and sleet, all while wearing a $1,500 uniform they bought themselves. They are the only professional athletes who pay to play.

So next time you see a cheerleader doing a basket toss in the end zone, give them a wave and a nod of respect. And if you’re ever at a game and see a sign that says “WE LOVE OUR CHEERLEADERS,” just know: the feeling might not be entirely mutual—unless the team starts sending them a bigger paycheck. Until then, they’ll keep smiling, and we’ll keep wondering why the NFL treats its sideline superstars like they’re just sparkly furniture.