So, you’re watching the game—maybe sipping a beer, yelling at the ref—and the camera pans to the sideline. There they are: the NFL cheerleaders, all smiles and glitter, doing high kicks like it’s nothing. And you think, “Wow, they’ve got the best job in the world, right?” Well, pull up a chair, friend, because the money part is… complicated.
Let’s cut to the chase. The short answer? Not nearly as much as you’d think. In fact, the average NFL cheerleader makes somewhere between $15,000 and $30,000 per season. Yes, a whole season. That’s for games, rehearsals, appearances, and all that gleaming, game-day magic.
And get this: many of them don’t even get paid for game day itself. Wait, what? Yeah, some teams count the game as an “unpaid rehearsal” or a “performance opportunity.” Your jaw is on the floor, right? Mine too.
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But let’s break it down, because it’s not all pennies. Some teams, like the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, are a bit more generous. Rumor has it they can pull in around $25,000 to $35,000 for the season, plus bonuses for special appearances. Still, that’s not exactly “buy a yacht” money, is it?
Wait—do they get an hourly wage?
Buckle up, because this is where it gets wild. Most NFL cheerleaders are paid a season salary, not an hourly wage. But if you do the math on hours—rehearsals, games, charity events, photo shoots—it often shakes out to less than minimum wage. Seriously. Some reports peg it at around $6 to $8 per hour. That’s less than your local barista makes, and they don’t have to do toe-touches in the freezing rain.
And here’s the kicker: the NFL itself does not pay the cheerleaders directly. The individual team franchises do. So salaries vary wildly. The Oakland (now Las Vegas) Raiders cheerleaders used to reportedly make around $9 an hour after years of legal battles. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals cheerleaders? Rumor is they got $100 per game day appearance. That’s less than your cable bill, for crying out loud.
NFL cheerleader salary: How much does an NFL cheerleader make?
But wait—what about the “extras”?
Okay, so the base salary is meh. But cheerleaders can make extra money through personal appearances, autograph sessions, and calendar sales. Some teams offer a “stipend” for travel or uniform maintenance. But—and this is a big but—they often have to pay for their own hair, makeup, nails, tanning, and transportation. So that extra cash? Poof. Gone.
Think about that for a second. You’re representing a multi-billion-dollar league, doing 3-hour games in heels and sequins, and you’re paying out of pocket for spray tans. It’s a little bonkers, right? A lot bonkers, actually.
And then there’s the legal drama. In recent years, several former cheerleaders have sued teams for wage theft. The Raiders paid out a major settlement in 2018. The Tampa Bay Bucs and Cincinnati Bengals settled similar suits. The message? The “passion” excuse doesn’t cover rent anymore.
But do they get any perks?
Oh sure—there are some perks. Free team swag, discounted merchandise, the occasional flight to a big event. You get to meet players and travel for the Pro Bowl (if you’re super-senior). But none of that pays for your student loans or your car lease. Most cheerleaders have second—even third—jobs. They’re teachers, nurses, fitness trainers, bar owners. They’re not living the glamorous life your Instagram feed suggests.
How much does an NFL cheerleader make ? | NFL cheerleader salary 2024
And here’s the thing I love about them: they do it anyway. Not for the money—clearly—but for the love of performance, the team spirit, the community. That’s admirable, but it doesn’t answer the question of fair pay, does it?
So, how much does an NFL cheerleader really make?
If you average it out: between $15,000 and $30,000 per season for game-day work, plus maybe another $5k to $10k in appearance fees if you hustle. That’s it. No 401k. No health insurance. No paid days off. You’re effectively a freelance performer with a sideline uniform.
Let’s be real: if you’re doing it for the cash, you’re better off becoming a part-time tour guide or a can collector. But if you’re doing it for the sparkle, the roar of the crowd, and the chance to say “I danced for THE NFL” once in your life? Then maybe that’s worth a lot more than a paycheck.
So next time you cheer from your couch, maybe give a little extra respect to those glittery souls. They’re dancing their hearts out—and probably heading to a shift at a coffee house after the fourth quarter.