how much do cowboys cheerleaders make
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders historically earned relatively low hourly and game-day rates, but recent reporting shows a major jump, with top estimates now putting some veterans in the low-to-mid six figures per year after a 400% pay bump. Pay still varies by experience, appearances, and season length, and exact official salary figures remain undisclosed by the team.
Quick Scoop: Core Numbers
- In 2022, reports said Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders made about 15–20 dollars per hour , around 500 dollars per game , with annual totals commonly estimated around 75,000 dollars when including practices, games, and appearances.
- A featured veteran cheerleader said she was making 15 dollars per hour and 500 dollars per appearance as recently as 2024.
- Multiple outlets report a massive 400% raise for the 2025–26 season, with sources indicating new rates up to 75 dollars per hour for veterans.
- One report suggests a seasoned cheerleader could now make around 150,000 dollars a year , though the team has not formally confirmed this and individual earnings can differ.
Before vs. After the Raise
- Before 2025
- Practice rate: roughly 15–20 dollars per hour.
* Game fee: around **500 dollars per game** for many cheerleaders.
* Public appearances: often paid as “flat fees,” sometimes scaled by years on the team (for example, 100 dollars times years of service).
- After the 400% bump (starting 2025 season)
- Reports describe an increase from about 15 dollars to around 75 dollars per hour for some veterans, described as a “life‑changing” 400% raise.
* Estimated annual income for established veterans is cited near **150,000 dollars** , but these numbers come from unnamed or secondary sources, not an official salary sheet.
How Their Pay Is Structured
- Hourly pay
- Covers practices, rehearsals, and some behind-the-scenes work; this is where the 15–20 dollars (old) and up-to-75 dollars (new) hourly figures appear.
- Game-day and appearance fees
- Cheerleaders may receive a fixed amount per game, plus separate appearance fees for events, sponsors, or community programs.
* These flat fees can scale with seniority, so rookies and veterans usually do not earn the same amount per appearance.
- Perks instead of extra salary
- Reports and interviews mention non-cash perks like gym access, beauty services, and similar benefits, which add value but do not replace direct cash pay.
Context: Why This Became a Trending Topic
- NFL cheerleader pay has long been criticized as low compared with the revenue teams generate and the visibility of squads like the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
- Documentaries and recent streaming series about the squad helped bring their working conditions and pay into the spotlight, which likely increased pressure for a raise.
- Even after the big bump, discussion continues over whether their new pay truly reflects the brand value they bring—one analysis linked the cheerleaders to tens of millions of dollars in added franchise value.
Key Takeaways
- Historically: roughly 15–20 dollars/hour , 500 dollars per game , often adding up to about 75,000 dollars/year with appearances.
- Post-raise estimates: up to 75 dollars/hour for veterans and around 150,000 dollars/year for the most experienced, though exact official pay remains private and will vary by individual.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.