How Much Does A Vikings Cheerleader Make

So, You Want to Be a Viking (Cheerleader)? Let’s Talk Money.

Alright, let’s be real for a second. You’ve seen them. They’re flying through the air at U.S. Bank Stadium, grinning like they just found a golden loot chest, and looking absurdly athletic in those classic purple and gold uniforms. Naturally, you might wonder: “How much does a Vikings cheerleader actually make?” Is it enough to buy a boat? A nice used car? Or just a really, really fancy helmet?

Spoiler alert: It’s not boat money. But it’s also not pocket-change money, either. The truth is somewhere in between, with a few surprising twists. Let’s crunch the numbers, but keep it fun—because if we’re talking about cheerleading, we’re not going to get all serious and corporate. We’ll leave that to the guys in the suits.

The Big Number: It’s a Range, Not a Salary

First, the honest truth. Vikings cheerleaders—officially called the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders (MVC)—are not full-time employees. They’re part-time performers. Think of it like a really cool side hustle that involves a lot of glitter and high kicks. According to most reports and former cheerleader interviews, the average pay for an NFL cheerleader, including the MVC squad, falls somewhere between $15,000 and $25,000 per season.

Wait, that’s per season, not per year? Yep. The season runs from training camp in July through the regular season (17 games) and maybe a playoff push. That’s about five to six months of work. So if you do the math, that’s roughly $2,500 to $4,000 a month. Not bad for a few nights a week, right? But hold your horns—there’s more to the story.

It’s Not Just Game Day (And They’re Not Rich)

Here’s where the “easy money” illusion crumbles. A cheerleader doesn’t just show up on Sundays. They have mandatory practice three to four times a week, often for three to four hours a pop. That’s like having a second job that requires you to be in peak physical shape and memorize 50 different dance routines. Plus, they’re expected to appear at charity events, corporate sponsor parties, and photo shoots. If you break it down to an hourly wage, it’s closer to $10 to $15 an hour.

And let’s not forget the costumes. That sequined uniform? You pay for it. Or at least a big chunk of it. Makeup, hair products, travel expenses for away games (if you’re lucky enough to go), and even some training gear often come out of their own pockets. It’s like joining a high-intensity fitness club, except you’re also representing a multi-billion-dollar franchise. Talk about a side hustle that demands dedication.

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The Perks: Where the Real Value Is

Okay, so the cash isn’t jaw-dropping. But here’s the fun part: the perks. Vikings cheerleaders get some seriously cool benefits that make the salary look like just a bonus. For example, they get free access to the team’s training facilities, including top-tier gyms, nutritionists, and even physical therapists. That’s like having a personal trainer who also gives you a protein shake and a massage. Pretty sweet.

They also get free tickets to home games for family and friends (hello, valuable Christmas gifts!), plus the chance to travel to international events. The Vikings have sent their cheerleaders to perform in places like Germany, Abu Dhabi, and even the Super Bowl (as ambassadors, not competitors). And let’s not forget the brand exposure—a featured spot on the team’s social media or a local TV interview can lead to modeling gigs, acting jobs, or dancing contracts. It’s a networking goldmine in spandex.

Oh, and there’s the Scholarship. The Vikings provide an annual scholarship—often around $1,000 to $2,000—for cheerleaders who want to continue their education. Not bad for a job where you’re already getting paid to cheer.

But Wait, There’s a Twist: The Lawsuit Factor

Now, you might have heard whispers about NFL cheerleaders being underpaid. That’s a real story. In recent years, former cheerleaders from other teams (like the Oakland Raiders and Buffalo Bills) filed lawsuits, arguing that they were making less than minimum wage when you factor in all the unpaid rehearsal hours. Major oof.

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The Vikings, to their credit, have generally paid better than some. But it’s important to note that the MVC squad has also fought for fairer wages over the years. In 2018, the Vikings raised their cheerleader pay significantly after a public push from players and fans. So, while the $15,000–$25,000 figure is a baseline, some senior cheerleaders or those with special roles (like squad captain) can make closer to $30,000 a year. Progress, people!

The Bottom Line: Is It Worth It?

Let’s be honest: if you’re doing it for the money, you’d be better off flipping burgers at a nice restaurant with a good tip jar. But if you’re doing it for the thrill, the community, and the pure joy of dancing in front of 66,000 screaming fans under stadium lights? The pay is just a lovely side note.

Most cheerleaders don’t do it to get rich. They do it because they love the game, love performing, and love being part of something bigger than themselves. They’re the smiling, high-kicking heart of the game-day experience, and that’s worth more than any paycheck.

So, how much does a Vikings cheerleader make? Enough to pay for some gas, a nice dinner, and a sparkly new pair of stadium boots. But more importantly, they make memories that last a lifetime. And honestly? You can’t put a price on that. Skál, cheerleaders!