How Much Money Do the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Make? Here's What the Squad Members Revealed in“ America's Sweethearts”

Maddie Garfinkle, Caroline BlairWed, June 17, 2026 at 8:12 PM UTC

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Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders perform before a game against the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium on October 30, 2022 in Arlington, Texas.Credit: Wesley Hitt/Getty -

The Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders have previously addressed their fight for higher pay after revealing they made around minimum wage

Their contract discussions were featured in America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, which released season 3 on June 16

For the 2025-2026 season, the cheerleaders received a 400% pay raise

America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleadersfollows all the ups and downs of the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders.

The hit Netflix docuseries, which released season 3 on June 16, documents the coveted career and the women who make it all the way from annual auditions to the final games.

Among other aspects of their lives, the series has shown the cheerleaders' fight for higher pay after they initially revealed they were being paid around minimum wage. In season 2, some of the group's veterans came together to discuss their new contracts for the 2024-25 football year. One squad member called them "heartbreaking," since there was no pay increase.

"We got our contracts and probably wrongly assumed that it maybe would have been different, just because of everything that was on TV," Kylie Dickson told cameras. "The world was kind of telling us, 'Girls, fight for more!' "

After the 2024-25 season, however, Dallas Cowboys executives agreed to a pay increase, and the team members were granted a 400% pay raise for the 2025–2026 season.

So how much do the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders make? Here's everything to know about their salaries, including how cheerleaders' paychecks compare to other salaried positions on the field.

What are the requirements to be a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader?

'America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders'.Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

Being a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader requires strict adherence to a series of rules.

The legacy of rules dates back to 1972, initially shaped by choreographer Texie Waterman and expanded during Suzanne Mitchell's directorship from 1976 to 1989. Early mandates included rigorous fitness regimes, limited social engagements and strict travel policies, notably for playoffs and Super Bowls, per The New York Times.

A number of these rules persist under current director Kelli Finglass, and they are spotlighted in the Netflix docuseries.

Today, aspiring cheerleaders face a comprehensive audition process, including dance evaluations, a written football knowledge test and adherence to rigorous appearance standards — extending to hair and makeup, emphasizing a natural look, as outlined by DCC leadership. Maintaining a specific body shape remains a requirement, although weight specifics have evolved over time.

Rehearsals are mandatory, with a demanding schedule extending through the NFL season. Meanwhile, uniform regulations are stringent, necessitating precise upkeep and return of all team gear.

How much does the average NFL cheerleader make?

Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders perform during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at AT&T Stadium on December 4, 2022.Credit: Wesley Hitt/Getty

NFL cheerleaders typically earn around $150 per game, with an average yearly salary of about $22,500, NBC Sports Boston reported in 2022.

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By comparison, NFL waterboys make about $53,000 per year, and NFL mascots earn $25,000 per season, the outlet added.

Cheerleaders can increase their earnings through public appearances, which pay $50 to $75 each.

In response to the disparities on the field, NFL cheerleaders have filed lawsuits advocating for fair pay and better working conditions — several of which have been settled privately, according to The Guardian. While some progress has been made, their overall compensation remains dramatically below that of NFL players and coaches.

How much do the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders make?

Reece in 'America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders'.Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders had been earning $15 to $20 per hour or $500 per game, making their yearly salary approximately $75,000, according to NBC Sports Boston.

However, during season 2, some of the squad's veterans banded together to fight for higher pay. That resulted in a "life-changing" 400% pay increase for the 2025-26 season, fourth-year member Megan McElaney told cameras. That brings their hourly rate to $75 and per-game fee around $2,500.

"We pushed and we got back good results," fifth-year veteran Armani Latimer said. "I get emotional knowing that I was a part of that. I love the fact that I made change for the girls that are coming up behind me, even if I'm not getting a chance to benefit."

What have the Dallas Cowboys' executives said about the cheerleaders' salaries?

Charlotte Jones Anderson on the field prior to the National Football League game between the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys on December 30, 2018.Credit: Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire/Getty

Dallas Cowboys chief brand officer Charlotte Jones told Netflix cameras that cheerleaders "don't come here for the money," noting instead a passion for dance and the limited opportunities to perform at an "elite level."

"There's a lot of cynicism around pay for NFL cheerleaders — and as it should be," Jones said in the docuseries, adding, "They're not paid a lot."

She emphasized that the dancers join the team for something beyond monetary compensation.

"They have a passion for dance. There are not a lot of opportunities in the field of dance to get to perform at an elite level," Jones continued. "It is about being a part of something bigger than themselves."

At the 2024-25 end-of-year banquet, Finglass praised the girls who had led the fight for better pay.

"You guys have moved some mountains this year that will forever change our organization, and hopefully, dancers' organizations across the world," she said. "It's just amazing, because that has been 60-plus years long overdue."

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”