The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ salary has jumped to around $75,000 per year following a reported 400% pay increase, making them the highest-paid cheerleaders in the NFL. However, despite this notable improvement, many still believe their compensation doesn’t fully reflect the time, effort, and public role they take on.
Key Takeaways:
- DCC salaries rose from $15/hour to $75/hour after negotiations
- Annual earnings can now reach up to $75,000 depending on seniority
- No health insurance or retirement benefits are included
- They remain part-time workers despite full-time demands
- The increase followed years of legal battles, media pressure, and public outcry
What Is the Current Salary for Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders?
As of the 2025–26 season, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) earn approximately $75,000 per year, which translates to about $75 per hour for practice sessions. This significant increase reflects a broader push for fair compensation in professional cheerleading, especially within such a high-profile NFL franchise.
This salary figure includes fees for rehearsals, appearances, and performances at Dallas Cowboys home games. Veterans and high-profile team members tend to earn at the upper end of the scale, depending on availability and appearances.
While this raise has made DCC the best-paid cheerleaders in the NFL, the job is still classified as part-time work, and many team members continue to maintain outside employment to support their financial needs. Nonetheless, this raise is widely seen as a historic milestone in cheerleading pay standards.
How Much Did They Earn Before the 400% Salary Hike?
Before the pay rise, DCC members earned an hourly rate of around $15 to $20, with additional fixed fees of approximately $500 per game. In total, many cheerleaders were earning between $15,000 and $22,000 annually, despite performing for one of the wealthiest sports franchises in the world.
Here’s a comparison of old pay components:
| Component | Previous Pay |
|---|---|
| Hourly Rate (Practice) | $15 – $20 |
| Game Day Fee | $400 – $500 |
| Appearance Fee | $100 x Years of Tenure |
| Estimated Annual Salary | $15,000 – $22,000 |
This structure also meant rookies made significantly less than veterans. For example, a first-year member might earn only $100 per appearance, while someone with four years on the team could earn $400. With long hours and no additional employment benefits, criticism around the low wages grew steadily.
What Sparked the Change in Pay for NFL Cheerleaders?
The dramatic salary increase for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders did not occur overnight. It was the result of years of legal action, public advocacy, media scrutiny, and cultural conversations around fairness in sports.
Lawsuits and Public Outcry (Erica Wilkins Lawsuit)
In 2018, former cheerleader Erica Wilkins filed a lawsuit against the Cowboys, alleging that she had been paid as little as $7 per hour, along with a flat $200 fee per game.
Her legal complaint argued that this violated fair wage laws. The case was settled in 2019, but it sparked wider awareness about the financial challenges NFL cheerleaders face.
Many cheerleaders were classified as independent contractors, which allowed organisations to bypass labour laws, including minimum wage requirements and benefits like health insurance or pension contributions. This classification became a focal point in the push for reform.
Media Scrutiny and Gender Pay Gap Focus
The media played a key role in amplifying the issue. Reports from NBC Sports, Cosmopolitan, and The New York Times highlighted the disparities in NFL compensation.
The average cheerleader was earning far less than mascots and even waterboys, despite their high visibility and performance schedules.
The median NFL player salary is $860,000, and while cheerleaders don’t play the game, their value in brand promotion, fan engagement, and broadcast entertainment is substantial. The stark contrast fuelled an ongoing conversation about gendered pay gaps in the world of professional sports.
Netflix’s “America’s Sweethearts” as a Turning Point
The 2024 release of the Netflix docuseries “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders” further propelled the debate. Viewers were exposed to the intensive training, physical demands, and personal sacrifices made by cheerleaders, all for a wage often less than minimum wage.
Season one presented the problem, while season two celebrated the outcome.
In the show, Charlotte Jones, daughter of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, even admitted that low cheerleader pay was a “valid point of cynicism”. The show became a rallying cry for fair compensation.
Combined, these factors created the perfect storm that led to the eventual salary overhaul in 2025.
Are the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Now Fairly Paid?
The new salary structure, while significantly better, is still a subject of debate. While some cheerleaders can now earn up to $75,000 annually, many feel that this figure doesn’t fully reflect the time commitment, physical risk, and public representation expected of them.
Let’s take a look at the broader pay landscape:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| New Hourly Rate | $75/hour |
| Game Compensation | Based on hours, no fixed fee |
| Estimated Annual Salary | Up to $75,000 |
| Benefits Included | None |
| Job Type | Part-time |
Considering they train 30 to 40 hours per week and perform under intense scrutiny, many argue that the DCC are still undervalued compared to NFL standards. The pay is better, but is it fair? That remains contentious.
Do They Receive Any Additional Benefits or Perks?
Although the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have seen a substantial wage increase, they do not receive health insurance, pensions, or employment benefits. This is because they are classified as independent contractors, not full-time staff.
Instead, they receive non-monetary perks, which include:
- Free Botox and cosmetic treatments
- Complimentary hair styling, nails, and make-up services
- Meal prepping services and nutritional support
While these perks might ease certain costs, they are not a substitute for proper health coverage or financial security. For a role that includes high physical demands, the absence of medical insurance is one of the most criticised aspects of their compensation.
How Does the Salary Compare Across the NFL?
With the recent raise, DCC cheerleaders are at the top of their profession in terms of salary. However, when compared across NFL roles and other teams, major disparities remain. This section examines how the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ pay stands against broader league figures.
Average NFL Cheerleader Pay (~$22,500)
According to NBC Sports and other sources, the average cheerleader salary across NFL teams is around $22,500 per year. Many earn much less depending on tenure and appearance opportunities. These salaries often fall below the US poverty line.
This puts the DCC in a league of their own. Their new pay is more than triple the league average, making them outliers rather than the standard.
DCC Among Highest-Paid, But Gap Remains
While DCC salaries now lead the NFL, the gap between cheerleaders and others in the league is still enormous.
For comparison:
- NFL mascots earn about $25,000 annually
- Waterboys make around $53,000, especially those with medical backgrounds
- The median NFL player salary is $860,000
Cheerleaders, despite their visibility and performance demands, are still among the lowest-paid roles on the field.
Could DCC Raise Trigger Wider Change?
The DCC raise has drawn national attention. Industry professionals and former cheerleaders hope this move will inspire other NFL teams to review their pay structures.
A ripple effect is already expected, though no official league-wide change has been announced. This could become a pivotal moment not just for the NFL, but for sports entertainment compensation at large.
How Has the Public Reacted to the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Pay Rise?
The reaction to the salary hike has been largely positive but not without critique. Fans, former cheerleaders, and media commentators have all weighed in on the issue.
Reece Weaver, a prominent DCC member, shared in an interview that the raise was “so grateful” and “a very big improvement” over past compensation.
Megan McElaney, who helped lead negotiations, called the increase “life-changing,” although she admitted that she personally earns less than the widely reported $75,000.
Director Kelli Finglass described the raise as “60-plus years overdue”, acknowledging that it was a long time coming.
Despite these statements, some feel the team’s wealth should have allowed for more generous compensation, including health benefits. While a step forward, many believe there is still work to do.
What Does This Mean for the Future of Professional Cheerleading?
The 2025 pay rise for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders could be a turning point for professional cheerleading. With the issue now in mainstream conversation, more teams may feel pressure to review their compensation models.
The hope is that cheerleading will evolve from a part-time, gig-style job into a recognised and respected profession. Calls for unionisation, employment benefits, and reclassification from contractor to employee are growing louder.
As cheerleaders continue to play a central role in team branding and fan engagement, their value may finally be reflected in their pay.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Salary vs Other Roles
To understand the current standing of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders in terms of salary, here’s a look at how their earnings compare with other roles in and around the NFL:
| Role | Average Salary (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader (2025) | $75,000 | Up to $75/hr + additional fees |
| NFL Mascot | $25,000 | Some work full-time |
| NFL Waterboy | $53,000 | Often certified physical therapists |
| Entry-Level Cheerleader (Other Teams) | ~$22,500 | Much lower than DCC |
| NFL Player (Median) | $860,000 | Star players earn millions |
The disparity is still vast. But with recent developments, the cheerleading profession may finally be gaining the financial recognition it deserves.
Conclusion
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ recent salary increase represents a landmark moment in the world of sports entertainment. After years of advocacy, legal battles, and public scrutiny, they’ve finally received pay that reflects their value.
However, challenges remain. The lack of healthcare, the part-time classification, and continued gender pay disparities remain key concerns. The DCC’s progress is a victory, but the broader conversation about fair treatment for cheerleaders is far from over.
As the spotlight grows brighter, the question remains, Will the rest of the NFL follow their lead?
FAQs About Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Salary
Do Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have full-time contracts?
No, they are hired as independent contractors and are considered part-time despite full-time commitments.
Why don’t the cheerleaders receive health insurance?
They are not classified as full-time employees, which excludes them from employer-provided benefits.
How many hours do they train each week?
Many cheerleaders train between 30 to 40 hours weekly, including rehearsals and game-day performances.
Is $75,000 enough for the role they perform?
While it’s the highest in the NFL, critics argue the salary doesn’t match the physical and public demands of the job.
Has any legal action influenced their pay rise?
Yes, a 2018 lawsuit by Erica Wilkins helped shine a spotlight on unfair wages, leading to eventual changes.
How are game-day fees calculated now?
The pay structure has shifted from flat fees to hourly rates, making it fairer for all members.
Will other NFL teams follow with similar salary increases?
There’s growing pressure for league-wide reform, but no official announcements have been made yet.
