How Much Does The Average Nfl Cheerleader Make

Let’s talk about something sparkly, athletic, and surprisingly controversial: cheerleader paychecks. You watch them nail a basket toss while smiling through a 15-hour game day.

Then you wonder: How much do they actually make for this? The answer is way weirder than you think. Let’s crunch some numbers, but don’t expect a touchdown of a salary.

The Big Number (And Why It Stings)

The average NFL cheerleader makes between $15,000 and $30,000 per year. That’s for the whole season.

Not per game. Not per month. Per year. To put it bluntly, you can earn more money stacking boxes at a warehouse.

Many cheerleaders work a second—or third—job. They’re nurses, teachers, or full-time students who squeeze in practice between shifts.

Wait, It Gets Worse (And Funnier)

That yearly salary isn’t just for game days. It covers 80 to 100 hours of unpaid practice each month.

You read that right: unpaid practice. They memorize complex routines, work out for hours, and attend photo shoots—all for the love of the pom-poms.

Some teams pay by the hour, but it’s often below minimum wage. Think $5 to $7 per hour for a job that requires perfection and a 4.0 smile.

The “Perks” That Are Actually Hilarious

“But they get free stuff, right?” Sure, they get a uniform. But they usually have to buy their own makeup, hair extensions, and shoes.

One former cheerleader told me her “free” uniform cost her $1,500 in touch-ups. A single pair of custom pom-poms can set you back $100.

They also get free tickets to games—but they’re working. You can’t exactly sit in the stands when you’re doing a pyramid.

The Forbidden Topic: Game Day “Extras”

Some teams offer “appearance fees” for special events. That means showing up at car dealerships, charity runs, or corporate parties.

Guess what? Those fees are sometimes zero. Many cheerleaders do public appearances as “volunteers” for the team’s brand.

NFL cheerleader salary: How much does an NFL cheerleader make?

One team paid them in pizza. I am not joking. (Though it was probably good pizza.)

The Throwback: Cheerleaders vs. Players

Now, for the punchline. The average NFL player makes about $2.7 million per year. A cheerleader makes $20,000.

That’s a ratio of 135 to 1. You could fit 135 cheerleaders inside one quarterback’s salary, and they’d still have room for a few more.

We’re not comparing apples to oranges here. We’re comparing a luxury jet to a unicycle.

Why Do They Do It?

“Is it for the money?” No. Nobody signs up to live on ramen noodles and mascara.

Most say it’s for the adrenaline. The roar of 70,000 fans. The spotlight. The feeling of flying through the air during a time-out.

Plus, a few use it as a stepping stone. It’s a killer resume builder for dance, TV, or fitness careers.

The “Top Earner” Exceptions

A handful of teams actually pay decently. The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are the most famous, and they’re also the highest-paid.

Rumors say they can make up to $75,000 a year with appearances and bonuses. That’s still couch-change compared to a player.

But it’s enough to afford a nice apartment and a pet. (Probably not a horse, though. Unless it’s a really small horse.)

The Hidden Cost: Limbs and Laughter

Cheerleading is a dangerous sport. NFL cheerleaders suffer concussions, broken wrists, and torn ligaments.

How Much Do NFL Cheerleaders Make?

One study found college cheerleading causes more catastrophic injuries than any other sport. NFL squads are no picnic.

And yet, many don’t get health insurance through the team. They’re treated like independent contractors, not employees.

The Lawsuit Era (Popcorn Munching)

In recent years, several cheerleaders have sued their teams. They claimed wage theft, unpaid overtime, and even being charged for bathroom breaks.

Yes, some teams allegedly docked pay if a cheerleader took a pee break during a game. Human need? Not welcome here.

A few cases settled for millions. The money went to the cheerleaders, but the NFL team owners barely noticed it in their couch cushions.

Is It Changing? Slowly.

A few teams have started paying by the hour. The Los Angeles Rams now guarantee a minimum wage for all practice hours.

The Seattle Seahawks also restructured their pay after a public outcry. Progress is happening, but it’s slow like a double-kick flip on ice.

Most cheerleaders still rely on tips, side hustles, and sheer passion. They do it for the razzle-dazzle, not the 401(k).

The Takeaway (No Pom-Poms Needed)

So, next time you see a cheerleader doing a perfect splits at 30°F while holding a 5-pound flag, give them a nod. They’re not getting rich.

They’re getting cold, sore, and underpaid. But they’re also flying—both literally and metaphorically.

And maybe, just maybe, they’re doing it because it’s one of the most fun, absurd, and electrifying jobs on the planet. Even if it pays in pom-poms and pizza.