How Much Does A Professional Cheerleader Get Paid

Let’s be real for a second. When you watch a pro football or basketball game, you’re probably focused on the touchdowns or the buzzer-beaters. But then the camera pans to the sidelines, and you see the cheerleaders—flying through the air with pom-poms, huge smiles, and perfect hair. It looks glamorous, right? You might wonder, “How much do they actually get paid for that?” It’s a fair question, and the answer might surprise you in a very, very average way.

Most people assume professional cheerleaders are rolling in cash. They think, “Hey, they’re on TV, they travel with the team, it must be a million-dollar gig.” Nope. Not even close. The reality is much more like your own side hustle—you know, that part-time job you do to afford gas and pizza on a Friday night.

Let’s break it down. For game day, a typical NFL cheerleader earns somewhere between $50 and $150 per game. That’s it. That’s less than what you’d pay for a decent pair of sneakers. Think about your own Saturday: you work a shift at the coffee shop, and you walk away with about that much. The big difference? They do it in front of seventy thousand screaming fans while smiling through a backflip.

The Non-Game-Day Grind

Here’s the part that feels really relatable. Those three-hour games are just the tip of the iceberg. Cheerleaders spend dozens of unpaid hours practicing, doing charity appearances, and filming promotional videos. It’s like when you have a big project at work, and you spend all weekend prepping for a five-minute presentation on Monday.

They also have to pay for their own uniforms, hair, makeup, and travel to some events. One former cheerleader told me she spent more on hairspray in a month than she made at some games. You know that feeling when your car repair bill costs more than your paycheck? Yeah, it’s that same gut-punch, but with glitter.

Comparing It to Your Life

Imagine your best friend invites you to a costume party. You spend three hours on an elaborate outfit, buy special shoes, and drive an hour to get there. Then, the host hands you fifteen bucks and says, “Thanks for the entertainment!” That’s basically the cheerleader’s Tuesday night.

How much does an NFL cheerleader make ? | NFL cheerleader salary 2024

In the NBA, the pay is slightly better but still modest. Some NBA dancers earn around $100 to $200 per game. And this is for women (and men) who train like Olympic athletes. They’re memorizing complicated choreography, maintaining insane fitness levels, and dealing with the same workplace drama you have—just in sequins.

So, why do they do it? For the love of the game, the crowd’s roar, the chance to feel like a star. Most of them have day jobs as teachers, nurses, or baristas. They’re not doing it for the cash—they do it for the thrill.

Why You Should Actually Care

You might think, “Well, that’s their choice, who cares?” But here’s why it matters to you: it’s a perfect example of how we value passion over fair pay. Think about the last time you did something you loved but got paid peanuts for it. Maybe you babysat for a neighbor and got paid in “exposure.” Maybe you painted a friend’s mural for pizza.

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

Professional cheerleaders have been fighting for better pay and basic benefits for years. In 2018, the Oakland Raiderettes won a historic lawsuit that forced the NFL to recognize they were employees, not just volunteers. That’s like your boss suddenly saying, “Oh wait, we should probably give you a W-2 form.” It’s a big deal because it sets a precedent for every underpaid performer—from halftime shows to local theatre groups.

The Relatable Takeaway

Next time you see a cheerleader on TV, don’t just see the glitter. See a person working a second job to make ends meet, just like you. They’re hustling to cover rent, student loans, and the occasional splurge on sushi. The pay is low, but the passion is sky-high.

And if you ever feel underpaid for your own creative or physical work—whether you’re a part-time yoga instructor or the person who decorates cakes for weddings—remember the cheerleader. She’s out there flipping for $75 an hour (if she’s lucky), and she’s still smiling. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the joy of doing something cool is just as valuable as the paycheck. But hey, a little more cash never hurt either.

So, how much does a professional cheerleader get paid? Enough to buy you a couple of nice dinners, but not enough to quit their day job. And honestly? That’s kind of beautiful and a little bit ridiculous, just like most of our lives.