How Much Does A Nfl Cheerleader Get Paid

So, you’re thinking about becoming an NFL cheerleader? Maybe you’ve seen them on TV, dazzling in sequins, smiling through a hail of Gatorade cups, and thinking: “That’s the life. Get paid to have abs of steel and wave pom-poms on national TV.” Well, grab a seat and a drink—because the truth about their paychecks might make you choke on your coffee.

The Shocking Bottom Line

Here’s the hard-and-fast truth: most NFL cheerleaders make less than the guy selling hot dogs in the stands. According to reports, the average pay is around $150 to $200 per game day—and that’s before taxes. Some teams pay as little as $50 a game, which is less than you’d earn refereeing a pee-wee soccer match. And no, that doesn’t include the two-hour rehearsals, the eight-hour Sunday grind, or the cost of spray tans.

One former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader famously revealed she earned $15 an hour—and that was only for time spent on the field, not the endless practices. So let’s do the math: if you’re on the field for 10 home games at $150 each, you’re looking at a whopping $1,500 a season. That’s less than the fine for throwing a beer on the field. Ouch.

But Wait, It Gets Worse (and Funnier)

Unlike the players, cheerleaders don’t get paid by the NFL itself. They’re independent contractors hired by each team, and some teams treat them like unpaid interns with better highlighters. Many cheerleaders have to pay for their own travel, uniforms, and even their hair extensions. One cheerleader told Forbes she spent $3,000 a season just on appearance costs—more than her entire paycheck.

To make ends meet, most NFL cheerleaders hold down day jobs as waitresses, teachers, or fitness instructors. I once read about a cheerleader who worked at a dental office during the week and had to clean her own pom-poms in the break room sink. Imagine explaining that to your friends: “Yeah, I shake it for the Raiders, but my real boss is a periodontist.”

The Myth of the Million-Dollar Smile

You might think, “But the publicity! The endorsements!” Ha! Most cheerleaders get zero endorsement deals. The NFL forbids them from using their team’s logo to promote anything—unless they want to get fired. Remember the famous lawsuit against the Oakland Raiders? A group of cheerleaders sued for unpaid wages and won, proving they were owed back pay for rehearsals and mandatory events.

How Much Do Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Make? Salary After Pay Rise

And let’s not forget the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, who are arguably the most famous. Even they reportedly make around $30,000 a year—which sounds decent until you realize that’s for a full-time commitment with no benefits. That’s less than a Starbucks barista in Seattle. At least baristas get free coffee.

The Real “Perks”

So why do they do it? For the love of the game, obviously—and maybe a little bit of fame. They get to travel (sometimes), meet players (from a distance), and pose for one glorious swimsuit calendar. One cheerleader told me, “I do it because I get to dance in front of 70,000 people. Plus, the team gives us a free parking pass. Gold.”

Then there’s the hidden compensation: professional photo shoots, choreography coaching, and the occasional free chicken wing at the post-game party. But let’s be honest—you can get chicken wings at a dive bar for $5, and you don’t need to do a backflip for them.

How Much Do NFL Cheerleaders Make? The Fight For Pay Equity | PS Fitness

The Big Question: Is It Worth It?

If you’re a college student who loves dance and wants a cool story, yes, it’s worth it. But if you’re hoping to buy a house with your pom-pom earnings, you better marry a player. The average NFL player makes $2.7 million a year. The average cheerleader makes $6,000. That’s a ratio of 450 to 1. In other words, a quarterback sneezes and earns more than a cheerleader earns in a whole season.

One fan math wizard calculated that if cheerleaders were paid the same hourly rate as NFL players (prorated for time), they’d earn $0.17 a game—because the players make so much. So I guess you could say they’re overpaid compared to rookies? No, that’s not right either.

A Final Word of (Playful) Advice

If you still want to be an NFL cheerleader, go for it—but don’t quit your day job. In fact, make sure your day job pays for your spray tan. And if you ever find yourself crying over a $150 paycheck after a 10-hour day of smiling, just remember: the parking pass is usually free. Sweet, free asphalt.

And hey, if all else fails, you can always start a side hustle selling signed action shots on eBay. Just be careful not to use the team logo. Use a drawing of a football and a smiley face. That’s the real secret to NFL cheerleader economics.