How much do NFL cheerleaders make each football season and who is the richest?
A lot of money circulates in the sports industry, with athletes being among the world's highest-paid professionals. Ironically, the case is not the same for everyone who contributes to making the industry what it is. For instance, the NFL wouldn't be what it is without the input of cheerleaders, but they earn far less than what the players get. So, how much do NFL cheerleaders make? As usual, there is a pecking order even with the salaries of cheerleaders.
Source: UGC
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Many factors come into play when determining the salary of an NFL cheerleader. To begin with, experience is vital because it means one is better at what she does. In addition, the bigger clubs will tend to pay their cheerleaders well because they have more money than the smaller clubs. The aspect of negotiation skills also plays a role because NFL cheerleader salary contracts are between the cheerleader and the club.
History of cheerleading in the NFL
The league opened its doors to cheerleading in 1954, almost seven decades ago. The first NFL team to have cheerleaders was The Baltimore Colts (now Indianapolis Colts). Today, 26 NFL teams have people to cheer them. However, out of the 32 teams in the league, six do not have cheerleaders.
One of the biggest reasons NFL cheerleaders earn little money is that it is not a full-time job. Many of the supporters have full-time jobs outside of the league. Even with the little money they are paid, becoming a cheerleader is not an easy task.
To qualify as one, you must go through several auditions, interviews, and tests. For instance, a person may be required to comply with specific photoshoot rules and stay physically fit for as long as she is a cheerleader. If you become overweight even slightly, you are discarded.
How much do NFL cheerleaders make?
NFL cheerleaders are paid a bare minimum as teams strive to save as much as possible. Until recently, most NFL cheerleaders were paid below the minimum wage in the USA. What they earn is just a drop in the ocean compared to the salaries of players and referees.
On average, an NFL cheerleader takes home about $150 per match-day plus an additional $50-$75 for a single public appearance. The per-hour salary of a cheerleader ranges between $15 and $20. This salary makes NFL cheerleading one of the lowest-paying jobs in the league.
There is a significant discrepancy because very few experienced cheerleaders can earn more than $50,000 a season. On the other hand, the highest NFL cheerleader salary is close to $75,000 per season. In addition to that, they also bag bonuses during the playoffs season and the Super Bowl.
Next in the pecking order are the supporting cheerleaders. They are expected to save the day when the main cheerleaders don't appear for a match. These earn a salary of about $20,000 in a season, and their per-hour salary is estimated to be about $9.
What is the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders' salary in 2024?
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders earn around $500 per game and $15-20 per hour for practice sessions, totalling an estimated annual income of approximately $75,000.
What is the NFL cheerleader salary by team?
The salary of NFL cheerleaders can vary by team, and the earnings typically include both game-day pay and practice pay. For instance, the Philadelphia Eagles pay roughly $200 per game, while the Miami Dolphins pay around $200-$300 per game.
The salary can also vary based on experience, the number of games, and the team's policies. Some cheerleaders also receive additional compensation for appearances, promotions, and sponsorships.
Fop famous current NFL cheerleaders
Here are some of the most famous current NFL cheerleaders as of the 2024–2025 season:
| No | Name | Team |
| 1 | Gabriella Davis | Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) |
| 2 | Allison | Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders |
| 3 | Megan | Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders |
| 4 | Emily | Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders |
| 5 | Rachel | New England Patriots Cheerleaders |
| 6 | Jacie Scott | New Orleans Saintsations |
Who are the richest NFL cheerleaders, and their net worth
The richest cheerleaders are recognized not just for their dancing and cheerleading skills but also for their involvement in community activities and various professional achievements outside of the NFL. Below are the richest cheerleaders and their alleged net worth.
1. Teri Hatcher - $50 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Teri Lynn Hatcher
- Date of birth: 8 December 1964
- Age: 59 years old (as of September 2024)
- Place of birth: Palo Alto, California, United States
One of the richest NFL cheerleaders is Teri Hatcher, a cast member of Desperate Housewives. According to Celebrity Net Worth, she has a net worth of $50 million. She started her career as a cheerleader for the San Francisco 49ers. She has been featured in films like Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Desperate Housewives, and Tomorrow Never Dies.
Teri is famous for her more than three-decade career in television. She has won awards like the Golden Globe and three Screen Actors Guild Awards and has been nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award. Previously, she used to be a cheerleader for the 49ers in 1984.
2. Stacy Keibler - $25 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Stacy Ann-Marie Keibler
- Date of birth: 14 October 1979
- Age: 44 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Rosedale, Maryland, United States
Stacy Keibler is an American actress, retired professional wrestler, cheerleader, dancer, and model. She began her career as a cheerleader for the Baltimore Ravens at the age of 18. She has also helped prepare contestants for public performances at Universal Studios.
She is best known for her roles with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Stacy Keibler's net worth is alleged to be $25 million.
3. Camille Kostek - $5 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Camille Veronica Kostek
- Date of birth: 19 February 1992
- Age: 32 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Killingworth, Connecticut, United States
Camille Kostek is an American model, actress, and television host. She gained prominence as a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model and has worked with various brands and media outlets.
Camille Kostek also cheered for the New England Patriots in the NFL. Her time as a cheerleader helped her gain visibility and transition into modelling and acting. Camille Kostek's net worth is alleged to be $5 million.
4. Lisa Guerrero - $5 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Lisa Coles Guerrero
- Date of birth: 9 April 1964
- Age: 60 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Lisa Guerrero is a multifaceted professional who excels as a model, artist, actress, and journalist. Her career began in cheerleading during the 1980s when she was a cheerleader for the NFL's Los Angeles Rams.
After her time with the Rams, Guerrero worked as an entertainment consultant for the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons. She has since transitioned into sports reporting and has appeared in various films, including Sunset Beach, Southland, and the superhero thriller Batman Returns. Her net worth is estimated to be $5 million.
5. Brandi Redmond - $4 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Brandi Redmond
- Date of birth: 10 July 1978
- Age: 46 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Texas, United States
Brandi Redmond is a former cheerleader for the NFL's Dallas Cowboys. She is known for her charitable contributions and her role as the wife of Bryan Redmond, the Chief of Acquisitions and founding head of Sun Resorts International.
Redmond has always been vocal about her love for the Cowboys. She gained reality TV fame as a cast member on the 2016 season of Real Housewives of Dallas alongside Tiffany Hendra, Stephanie Hollman, Cary Deuber, and LeeAnne Locken. Additionally, she co-owns an online clothing store called Brandi Land with her husband's sister. Brandi Redmond's net worth is alleged to be $4 million.
6. Charisma Carpenter - $4 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Charisma Carpenter
- Date of birth: 23 July 1970
- Age: 54 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Charisma Carpenter is an American actress best known for her role as Cordelia Chase in the supernatural drama series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spin-off Angel. Before her acting career took off, she was a cheerleader for the San Diego Chargers football team in 1991. Charisma Carpenter's net worth is alleged to be $4 million.
7. Apollonia Kotero - $4 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Patricia Apollonia Kotero
- Date of birth: 2 August 1959
- Age: 65 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Santa Monica, California, United States
Apollonia Kotero is an American actress, singer, talent manager, and former model with a net worth of $4 million. She is best known for her role in Prince's 1984 film Purple Rain and as the lead singer of the girl group Apollonia 6. Kotero also gained recognition for her time as a cheerleader for the Los Angeles Rams in the early 1980s.
8. Carmella - $2 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Leah Van Dale
- Date of birth: 23 October 1987
- Age: 36 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Spencer, Massachusetts, United States
Leah is an American professional wrestler, dancer, and model currently signed with WWE, where she performs under the ring name Carmella. Before joining WWE, Leah cheered for the New England Patriots for three seasons, concluding in 2010.
Following her time as a cheerleader, she successfully auditioned for the Los Angeles Lakers dance team and performed as a Laker Girl during the 2010–2011 season. According to Sportzwiki, Carmella has an alleged net worth of $2 million.
9. Bonnie-Jill Laflin - $1 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Bonnie-Jill Laflin
- Date of birth: 15 March 1976
- Age: 48 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: San Francisco, California, United States
Bonnie-Jill Laflin is a versatile American talent known for her work as an actress, model, television personality, and sportscaster. Laflin made history in the sports world by becoming the first female scout for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Bonnie-Jill Laflin initially gained widespread recognition as a cheerleader for the Golden State Warriors in the NBA and then went on to cheer for the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys in the NFL, where she earned a Super Bowl ring with the 49ers. Her net worth is $1 million.
What do NFL cheerleaders do?
Cheerleaders are known for their colourful and energized touchline performances. They specialize in cheering and stirring up the league's activities, especially on the pitch. Their performances bring a spirit of enthusiasm, fun, and excitement to players, viewers, and fans.
Even though their roles are generally the same, they are subject to different policies and compliance depending on their teams. Their primary role remains to boost the morale of the audience. Cheerleading acts are usually staged, practised, and scheduled before they are performed.
What is Kelli Finglass' salary?
Kelli Finglass, the Director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, is reported to earn an estimated annual salary of around $1.5 million. Her income likely also includes earnings from her involvement in TV shows like Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team, as well as other business ventures related to the cheerleading organization.
The unseen struggles of NFL cheerleaders
NFL cheerleaders have long faced issues like harassment, wage theft, and unsafe work environments, but their voices often go unheard. Many NFL cheerleader salary lawsuits have emerged, highlighting the exploitation of these dancers, who are forced to follow strict conduct rules and are paid far less than other NFL staff.
The situation is worsened by outdated attitudes toward cheerleading, making it harder for these women to be taken seriously. Despite some changes, including the addition of men to squads, the core problem remains unchecked misconduct by male executives. True reform requires addressing this abuse, not just altering cheerleading’s image.
The Netflix documentary America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders has reignited conversations around the pay and working conditions of NFL cheerleaders, specifically the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC).
The series provides an inside look into the rigorous training, auditions, and performances these women undergo, often for pay that many consider inadequate. One former Cowboys cheerleader, Kat Puryear, highlighted that her salary as a cheerleader was comparable to that of a substitute teacher or a full-time fast-food worker despite the immense time and effort she dedicated to the role.
The documentary briefly touches on the salary issue, sparking intense reactions on social media. Many viewers expressed outrage over the low compensation relative to the demands of the job. Cheerleaders often juggle second jobs to make ends meet, as their pay barely covers their living expenses.
FAQs
- How much do NFL cheerleaders get paid? The average salary of the league's cheerleader is $150 per matchday.
- Do NFL cheerleaders get paid? Yes, they do, but their salary is small compared to that of football players.
- How much do NFL cheerleaders make at the Super Bowl? The Super Bowl salary for cheerleaders is $150 plus bonuses.
- How much do NFL cheerleaders make a year? They can make up to $75,000 a year, depending on the team they are cheering for.
- How much does the highest-paid NFL cheerleader make? The highest-paid NFL cheerleader is paid $75,000 in a season.
- Which NFL cheerleaders get paid the most? The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are considered among the highest-paid cheerleaders due to their prominence, media exposure, and brand opportunities.
Like life, cheerleading is all about the survival of the fittest. How much do NFL cheerleaders make? Usually, there is no uniform salary scale. Their salaries depend on an individual's talent, dedication, and experience. Those clubs that appreciate the role played by applauders ensure that they are paid better than their counterparts.
Yen.com.gh published an article about the history of the Ghana Premier League, its teams, and the list of winners since 1920. It is one of the top divisions in the football world in Ghana.
The Ghana Football Association is in charge of all activities, including competitions and runs. Read this article to learn more about the team.
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