Home

NFL

How Much Do Cheerleaders Get Paid in the NFL?

Published 05/22/2023, 12:46 PM EDT

Follow Us

What NFL notifies about cheerleaders’ fees? Does it depend on teams? Well yes, cheerleaders get paid differently depending on the team, the level of experience, and the number of games and appearances they make. In the secretive world of NFL cheerleaders, a veil of mystery shrouds their earnings, leaving us to wonder about the fascinating figures behind their captivating performances. While some are said to bask in the glow of high-paying contracts, these cases are as rare as they are extraordinary. Let’s see how much an average NFL cheerleader makes per game.

The base salary for NFL cheerleaders typically falls within the range of $9 to $15 per hour for rehearsals, and for each game, they earn anywhere between $75 and $150. Additionally, they have opportunities for public appearances, such as the Pro Bowl and the yearly Combine, where they can earn an average of $50 to $75. On top of that, there are occasional bonuses, with some games offering an extra $2500.

How much do the highest-paid NFL cheerleaders make?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

According to the source ‘YEN’, the top-earning NFL cheerleader receives a generous salary of $75,000 per season. Cheerleaders can earn as much as $150,000 per year, but at the very least, they make a minimum salary of $35,000 annually.

via Reuters

The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders are known for their impressive performances on the sidelines of Dallas Cowboys NFL games. These skilled cheerleaders typically make around $15 to $20 per hour, which adds up to approximately $500 per match when it comes to their compensation. Their dedication and skill are recognized and rewarded accordingly.

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest NFL stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Moving on to the Carolina TopCats, they proudly represent the Carolina Panthers as their official cheerleading squad. Carolina Panthers cheerleaders are widely known, they receive an annual salary of $75,000. This significant compensation demonstrates the value and importance placed on their contributions to the team’s spirit and entertainment.

Both the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders and the Carolina TopCats exemplify the commitment, talent, and energy required to be a successful cheerleader in the NFL.

Why do NFL cheerleaders earn so little?

Cheerleaders in the NFL, and the NBA for that matter, are considered independent contractors. As a result, the teams are not obligated to provide them with salaries that adhere to state and federal minimum wage standards. Facing intense competition and minimal bargaining power, cheerleaders in the NFL contend with subpar work conditions as fellow dancers vie for prestigious roles. Their vital role in revenue generation goes unappreciated, resulting in meager compensation at or slightly above minimum wage for game days and obligatory events. Following a legal case in 2014, the Oakland Raiders settled by disbursing $1.25 million in outstanding wages to their cheerleaders and subsequently raised their hourly compensation to $9.

In the past few years, a series of lawsuits have emerged involving NFL cheerleaders. These legal actions have addressed various concerns, including wage theft, discrimination, and harassment. Among the lawsuits, certain cheerleaders took legal action, claiming that a clandestine and unedited video captured during a squad photo shoot had been circulated among team executives. Eventually, these lawsuits were resolved through out-of-court settlements, with the cheerleaders agreeing to sign non-disclosure agreements in December 2021.

As the exploitation of women in sports becomes a hot topic, it extends beyond uniforms. Female athletes face sexism tied to their ability to have children. Sports often neglect accommodating motherhood alongside elite athleticism. Yet, women in sports defy the notion of weakness or incapability. Every hurdle they conquer, every ball they strike, demonstrates not just their physical strength, but also their leadership and strategic thinking, propelling the fight for gender equality.

What exactly is NFL Cheerleaders’ job description?

NFL cheerleaders play a vital role in energizing the crowd and rallying support for their team through cheers and chants during football games. Beyond their spirited involvement on the sidelines, they dazzle the audience with captivating routines performed during halftime shows and other special occasions. Moreover, they may also find themselves engaged in promotional activities and making appearances at public events.

Cheerleading serves as a captivating spectacle that enhances a team’s exposure, garners local popularity, and attracts increased media attention. While some teams enlist cheerleaders as young as 18 or 19 years old, the average reported age of an NFL cheerleader stands at 25 years old.

How much do NFL cheerleaders make in comparison to other participants on the field?

When considering earnings, there exists a notable distinction among the salaries of different positions within the NFL. For instance, NFL water boys typically earn around $53,000 per year, while NFL mascots make approximately $25,000 per season. Nevertheless, the disparity becomes even more striking when we contemplate the wage discrepancy between an NFL cheerleader and an NFL player.

How much do NFL cheerleaders make in comparison to NFL players?

NFL cheerleaders typically earn a minimum wage of $75,000 per year, although such cases are quite uncommon. Cheerleaders typically receive an average yearly salary below $10,000, highlighting their relatively low earnings. This amount is dependent on their number of appearances and their teams’ performance. Contrary to that, the salaries of NFL players differ based on factors such as their field position and level of experience. With an average annual salary of $860,000, NFL players enjoy considerably higher earnings than their cheerleading counterparts.

How much do NFL cheerleaders make in comparison to NFL coaches?

In terms of earnings, there is a significant disparity between the highest-paid cheerleaders and NFL coaches. At the top end, certain cheerleaders can earn up to $500 per match or a staggering $75,000 per year. However, when we look at the average NFL coach’s salary, it reaches approximately $2 million annually. This figure climbs even higher for the most successful coaches, surpassing $10 million per year. Even coaches earning the lowest salaries still receive a substantial sum, as their annual earnings surpass $400,000. As a result, it becomes evident that NFL coaches earn significantly more than NFL cheerleaders.

Is NFL Cheerleading a Full-Time Job?

No, NFL cheerleading is not a full-time job. The extent of involvement varies depending on the level of competition. Some NFL cheerleaders may accompany the team for every game throughout the season, while others might only need to attend one or two games per week. In fact, the majority of cheerleaders maintain part-time or full-time jobs or are pursuing higher education at college.

What Are the requirements to become an NFL Cheerleader?

In order to pursue a cheerleader career, certain requirements must be met, including meeting specific criteria and qualifications. Firstly, you must be at least 18 years old. Additionally, possessing a high school diploma or a GED equivalent is a prerequisite. Another important aspect is your commitment to the entire season, which spans from August to February. This entails being available for all home games, as well as any potential playoff games that may arise.

Dedication is further exemplified through your willingness to participate in weekly practices and any other mandatory appearances. Lastly, passing a background check is an essential requirement. By fulfilling these qualifications, you can embark on your journey to become an NFL cheerleader.

How much tax will you have to pay as a Pro Football Cheerleader?

The tax rate for NFL cheerleaders is determined by their income level and the state in which they reside. As reported by ESPN, NFL cheerleaders typically earn $150 per game day and $50-75 for each public appearance. Assuming they participate in 10 games and make 10 appearances annually, their yearly income would amount to approximately $2,000-2,250. This places them in the lowest federal income tax bracket of 10%. However, individuals might also need to pay state and local taxes, which differ based on where they live.

via Reuters

To illustrate, let’s consider two different scenarios. If an NFL cheerleader lives in California, they would need to pay an additional 1% state income tax on top of their federal tax obligations. On the other hand, if they live in Texas are exempt from state income tax. However, they are obligated to pay a sales tax of 6.25% on their purchases. Consequently, the overall tax rate for NFL cheerleaders can range from 10% to over 16%, depending on their place of residence and their spending habits.

Quality of Life for Pro Football Cheerleader

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The experience of a professional football cheerleader can differ significantly based on the team and city they proudly represent. Take, for instance, a recent report by Apartment List, which reveals that these cheerleaders typically bring home around $4,765 per month. Considering that the median cost of renting a two-bedroom apartment stands at $2,506 per month, indicating that roughly 52.59% of individuals’ monthly income is allocated towards rent. It is crucial to note that professional football cheerleaders in the United States experience considerable salary diversity, spanning from $13,014 to $346,916, and with a median salary of $63,172.

While NFL cheerleading may seem glamorous, it’s essential to acknowledge that it goes beyond superficial allure. Cheerleaders must meet certain expectations, from their appearance to exuding cheerfulness and athleticism, including specific hair length. In a Cosmopolitan interview, a former cheerleader disclosed her experience, revealing she earned $6 per hour for games (approximately 10 per season) and dedicated 7 to 10 hours weekly to practices. Additionally, she received $12 per hour for attending special events. Adding it all up, her total earnings as a professional cheerleader in 2006 amounted to $3,000.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

WATCH THIS STORY – You Are Out of Your Mind, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Dwayne Johnson Unwittingly Sparked a Debate in the NFL World.

In summary, the quality of life for a pro football cheerleader is contingent on various factors such as team, city, and income. Although there are financial benefits involved, the responsibilities faced by these individuals can be substantial, and their income may not always correspond to the amount of commitment and hard work they put into their position.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Mohammad Asif Ansari

784Articles

One take at a time

Mohammad Asif Ansari is an NFL writer at EssentiallySports, with a passion for bringing sports news to life through engaging content. As an ardent sports fan, Ansari likes to cover core sports angles. His latest article, “Dallas Cowboys Reportedly Making It Difficult for Aaron Rodgers to Pursue His Dream Team” got a hoard of interested sports readers.
Show More>

Edited by:

Hitesh Nigam