What Is The Average Salary Of An Nfl Cheerleader

So, you’ve got pom-poms, a killer smile, and a dream. You’ve seen those NFL cheerleaders flipping and grinning on the sidelines, and you think, “Wow, that must be a glamorous, high-paying gig!” Well, my friend, buckle up. The truth is about as glamorous as a sweaty jockstrap left in a locker over the weekend.

Let’s cut straight to the chase: the average NFL cheerleader’s salary is shockingly low. We’re talking around $15 to $30 per hour—but wait, they don’t exactly clock in and out like a barista. Most earn a flat game-day fee. For a regular season game, that fee ranges from $50 to $150, or a pittance compared to the million-dollar players they’re paid to hype up.

But hold on—it gets worse. That “salary” often covers just the four-hour game. The actual work? Picture this: ten to fifteen hours of unpaid practice each week, plus charity appearances, photo shoots, and rehearsals. You’re essentially a professional athlete who gets paid like a babysitter for a cat that doesn’t want to be watched.

The Big Bucks Myth

You might think, “But they’re on TV! They must be rolling in endorsement cash!” Nope. Endorsements are rare for cheerleaders, unlike the players. Most teams pay a flat annual stipend, ranging from $7,500 to $15,000 per season. That’s less than a summer job at a beachside ice cream shop—and you don’t have to learn a dance routine for a banana split.

And get this: cheerleaders often have to pay for their own expenses. We’re talking travel, hair, makeup, tanning, and even some uniforms. One rookie cheerleader told me she spent $1,200 on makeup and hair products before her first game. That’s basically a second mortgage on a small apartment in Ohio.

Now, let’s talk about the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, the “America’s Sweethearts.” They supposedly earn more—up to $20,000 per season—but that’s still a pittance. That’s like earning $19.23 per hour for a 20-hour work week. Meanwhile, the quarterback they inspire is pulling in $40 million. The math is funnier than a clown at a funeral.

The Incredibly Low Wages Of NFL Cheerleaders (How much cheerleaders are

The “Perks” That Aren’t Perks

“But what about fame?” you ask. Well, the fame is fleeting. Most cheerleaders have second jobs as teachers, nurses, or even bartenders. I met one who worked as a dental hygienist by day and shook her pom-poms by night. She said, “At least when I clean teeth, I get paid for my time.” She wasn’t joking.

And don’t forget the injury risk. These women flip and toss each other like they’re in a WWE match. But if they pull a hamstring? No workers’ comp for sideline stunts. They’re classified as independent contractors in many cases, which is like being a freelancer for a billionaire boss.

Even the NFL’s own numbers are laughable. A 2018 report from the New York Post revealed that 40% of cheerleaders earn less than $10,000 a year. That’s below the poverty line for a single person. You can’t even afford the season’s tickets with that.

So Why Do They Do It?

It’s not for the cash, that’s for sure. Most cheerleaders say it’s about passion, community, and the adrenaline. They love performing, they love the team, and they love the roar of the crowd. It’s a labor of love—and a lot of labor for very little love from the bank account.

Nfl Cheerleader Salary in Southaven, MS: Hourly Rate (2026)

There’s also the exposure. Some dream of becoming TV personalities or models. But let’s be real: exposure doesn’t pay the rent, and it certainly doesn’t buy you a decent meal at a stadium where a hot dog costs $12.

Recently, teams have faced lawsuits for underpaying cheerleaders. In 2018, the Oakland Raiders settled a huge case. The outcome? Not much changed. The average salary is still stuck in the “cab fare” range.

The Bottom Line (And It’s a Very Low Line)

So, what’s the average salary? Roughly $10,000 to $20,000 per season, but that’s before expenses. If you subtract the glitter and the hurt, some cheerleaders actually lose money doing the job. That’s like paying to go to work. It’s the only profession where you hand in a resume and a check.

Next time you see an NFL cheerleader grinning on the sidelines, give them a real applause. They’re not just rooting for a touchdown—they’re rooting for their next paycheck. And if you really want to help, buy them a drink. They’ve earned it way more than the guy with the $300 million contract.