How much do NFL cheerleaders Make?

The NFL cheerleading squad earnings are relatively low, compared to other NFL staff. Their annual salary ranges between $22,500 to $75,000, depending on the franchise and the experience level of a cheerleader.

Last updated: 01-16-2026

2 minutes read

Ian Wanyeki

Sports Betting Writer

Fact checked by:

Chad Nagel

Sports Betting & Casino Editor

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The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Baltimore Ravens

The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Performing//Getty Images

Table of Contents

NFL cheerleaders first appeared in the league in 1954, through the Baltimore Colts. This triggered other teams to follow suit and in the long run, cheerleaders have become a key component of NFL games. In the league, cheerleaders are contract workers; franchises are not obligated to pay them salaries that match states’ minimum wage requirements.

Considering the humongous amount of energy that cheerleaders emit to entertain fans, one would expect that their wages match the effort. For rehearsals, the base salary for NFL cheerleaders typically ranges between $9 to $15 per hour. Per game, cheerleaders averagely earn $150, and between $50 and $75 per public appearance, which equates to an annual salary of $22,500. They may also get occasional bonuses that offer up to $2500. Most cheerleaders are required to work a second job in order to cater for their bills.

How Much Do Professional and Experienced Cheerleaders Make in the NFL?

The Carolina Panthers dance team performs prior to a game against the Los Angeles Chargers

The earnings for professional cheerleaders are not always similar and may vary, based on several factors. The experienced lot can make as much as $75,000 per season, including bonus money from playoffs and Super Bowl appearances. However, if they miss games due to injury or other reasons, their earnings reduce because supporting cheerleaders have to stand in for them.

The pay for cheerleaders may also vary depending on the franchise that has contracted them. Some franchises offer better pay than others. For instance, cheerleaders who work for some popular NFL teams such as the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Carolina Panthers, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings earn between $15 and $20 per hour, making it $500 per game, and $75,000 annually.

Cheerleader Salaries Compared to Other NFL Professionals

There is a notable difference between the salaries of cheerleaders and other NFL professionals. For instance, water boys averagely earn $53,000 per year, while NFL mascots make approximately $25, 000 per season. The discrepancy gets significantly wider when comparing a cheerleader and an NFL player. For instance, the average annual salaries other NFL staff is as follows:

Head coaches- $6.7 million
Referees- $205,000
Quarterbacks -$7 million
Wide receivers- $2.8 million

FAQs

Why Is the Compensation for NFL Cheerleaders So Low?

As mentioned earlier, cheerleaders are independent contractors, which implies that NFL teams do not have to pay them like salaried employees. Also, although they are paid for game days and public appearances, they are not guaranteed compensation for the hours spent in training or preparations.

The cheerleading spot in the NFL is also intensely competitive, which reduces its bargaining power. Moreover, since NFL cheerleading does not offer full-time employment, sometimes cheerleaders may only attend only one or two games per week.

Ian WanyekiSports Betting Writer

Ian Wanyeki is a Nairobi-based sports journalist with a strong passion for sport and an impressive grasp of multiple disciplines. A Bachelor of Science graduate from Kenyatta University, he has worked as a sports analyst at Covenant Television Network, a sports reporter at NTV, and a correspondent and contributor for Quartz Africa.