Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Salary Overview
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Group Name | Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) |
| Team | Dallas Cowboys, NFL |
| Established | 1972 |
| Reported Past Salary | $15–$20 per hour or ~$500 per game |
| Estimated Previous Annual | Approx. $37,000–$45,000 |
| New Hourly Rate (Post-Raise) | Up to $75 per hour |
| Estimated New Annual Salary | ~$75,000 (varies widely by appearance & optional work) |
| Benefits | No health insurance, most benefits are intangible (exposure, branding) |
| Notable Cheerleaders | Megan McElaney, Jada McLean |
| Reference Link | People.com |
The salary scale of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders has been the subject of intense public discussion in recent months. The group is frequently regarded as the pinnacle of NFL cheerleading because of their dazzling lights, well-rehearsed routines, and widespread television exposure. But underneath the high heels and sequins is a pay scale that, until recently, was remarkably similar to that of minimum-wage workers.
A 400% pay increase was implemented, which sounded like a huge step thanks to the persistent lobbying of seasoned performers like Megan McElaney. However, the change seems noticeably lackluster when one looks at the actual numbers. Even with the significant increase in their hourly wage, many cheerleaders still earn less than $75,000. Even though the performances are held in front of the most attention in football, their revenue has not kept pace with the glamour.
The Netflix documentary series America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders has helped the team gain more public recognition over the past year. Fans responded strongly to cheerleader Kat’s admission that her pay was equal to what she would have made if she had worked a full-time job at Chick-fil-A. It was approximately $38,000 annually. If the raise had been implemented consistently, salaries ought to have approached the $150,000 mark. However, Megan’s frank TikTok remarks showed that some members still fall far short of this hopeful standard even after the raise.
The cheerleaders were able to negotiate a raise that was both financially and symbolically necessary by using their combined strength and social media transparency. However, many contend that the raise only scratches the surface in the absence of important additions like healthcare, paid time off, or retirement contributions.
The highly skilled and disciplined nature of their work has been highlighted by cheerleaders such as Jada McLean through public statements and strategic visibility on streaming platforms. She told The New York Times, “We are more than just cheerleaders.” “We are strong, educated, talented women who work hard as athletes and should be recognized as such.” The idea that cheerleading is only for show is refuted by her statement, which is incredibly clear in both tone and message.
DCC positions are performance-driven and part-time, for those who are not familiar with the specifics. Games and appearances are spaced out throughout the season, and practices take place for a few hours in the evening. Although this arrangement gives cheerleaders the freedom to pursue alternative careers or further education, it also severely restricts their earning potential. If you work 10 hours a week at $75 an hour, you won’t make more than $40,000 a year. The math is straightforward and illuminating.
It’s difficult to overlook the irony. Even though the NFL makes billions of dollars annually, the players who play for these teams still work hard in between games. Many cheerleaders reportedly took on other jobs to make ends meet during the pandemic, when games were canceled and appearances were restricted. Some of them worked in retail, while others were fitness trainers. Financial strain was a common theme, even though they were a part of a prestigious, televised squad.
It’s interesting to note that this tension isn’t specific to the NFL. Pay equity is still an elusive goal in a variety of industries where entertainment and physical performance collide, from cruise ship performers to Broadway dancers. Cheerleaders boost team spirit, aid in branding campaigns, and draw millions of fans to live sports events. Merchandise features their faces. They have meticulously choreographed their routines. However, their income was surprisingly low until recently.
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have made it possible for change to occur on all fronts by admitting this imbalance. Other teams have noticed, including those in the CFL and NBA. In contrast to the DCC, cheerleaders in the CFL frequently earn between $50 and $100 per game and do not receive a steady salary. The discussion is made even more urgent by the disparity between leagues. What hope do the smaller teams have if the most well-known team is still having trouble getting compensation justice?
In recent interviews, former DCC members said they hoped the public awareness of their compensation would spur more extensive reform. The Netflix series’ emphasis on openness and empathy for the general public is especially advantageous. Fans started to wonder why there was such a disparity between the cheerleaders’ fame and compensation, in addition to what they were paid.
The DCC members have changed the narrative by presenting their demand through the prism of artistry and athleticism. They are no longer viewed as supplementary to the main event. Rather, they are being acknowledged as performers in their own right—people who put in a lot of training, give regular performances, and interact with communities all around the nation.
This moment, which was sparked by media support, strategic advocacy, and general frustration, is incredibly successful at changing the subject. The idea that visibility should take the place of just compensation is no longer acceptable to cheerleaders. They are advocating for change by utilizing their influence, platforms, and personal narratives. They are also doing this for the people who will wear the uniform in the years to come, not just for themselves.
The DCC will probably be cited as a case study by NFL cheerleaders in the upcoming seasons. Little victories along the way have been the norm. The raise has significantly improved the starting point for future negotiations, even though it hasn’t produced the windfall that fans had hoped for. That is a noteworthy accomplishment in and of itself.
