In addition to focusing on sideline tactics and touchdown celebrations, the previous NFL season brought new urgency to a long-standing question: how much do Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders make, and is it enough? As revealing behind-the-scenes video from Netflix’s America’s Sweethearts, the discussion reached millions of viewers and garnered much-needed attention.
For years, in order to make ends meet, cheerleaders like Megan McElaney and Reece Allman had to work part-time jobs in addition to their famous performances. By day, Allman made flower arrangements, and at night, he practiced kicklines. McElaney, who frequently got up at the crack of dawn and fell asleep long after midnight, balanced a rigorous marketing job with 30-hour training weeks. These are remarkably similar tales of commitment under duress, not isolated incidents.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Pay Details
| Role | Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders |
|---|---|
| Team Affiliation | Dallas Cowboys (NFL) |
| Total Members | 36 |
| Previous Practice Rate | $15–$20 per hour |
| Previous Game Day Rate | $500 per game |
| Updated Practice Rate (2025) | Up to $75 per hour |
| Updated Game Day Rate (2025) | Up to $750 per game |
| Estimated Annual Income (Old) | Approximately $75,000 |
| Estimated Annual Income (New) | Between $125,000 and $150,000 |
| Employment Type | Part-time, Contractual |
| Health Insurance Provided? | No |
Prior to the raise, Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders received a fixed salary of $500 per game day and $15 to $20 per hour during practice. Even though that earned veterans nearly $75,000 a year, the workload and physical strain far outweighed that pay. The absence of employer-sponsored health insurance made the financial structure seem especially out of proportion to the expectations.
Viewers saw something much more captivating than a reality show through the Netflix series. Tenured dancers Kylie Dickson and Amanda Howard started negotiating a collective contract in episode seven. They spoke in a firm but courteous manner. Dickson mentioned a viral online outpouring of fan solidarity when he said, “We thought our new contracts would reflect the support we felt from the public.”
What followed was a first. In response, the Cowboys’ management gave them a 400% raise. Base practice pay increased to $75 per hour as a result of that significant increase, and game-day compensation reached up to $750. Cheerleaders’ own projections and internal estimates suggest that some veterans may now earn between $125,000 and $150,000 annually. When compared to NFL mascots, who typically make about $25,000 annually, or even waterboys, who make about $53,000, these numbers are especially advantageous.
However, there are still some gaps. The cheerleaders still do not have health insurance in spite of these advancements. Jada McLean, a former team member, candidly discussed working for $15 per hour while also enduring physical fatigue and having little job security. “We give everything to this team,” she stated, “but the financial stress never really goes away.”
There are wider cultural resonances in the cheerleaders’ movement. Their behavior reflects a broader trend in entertainment and sports: backstage workers want the same respect as front-stage celebrities. These athletes not only increased their earnings through tactful and politely assertive negotiations, but they also contributed to changing the perception of an industry.
Armani Latimer’s voice stood out among the others that were recorded for the documentary series. She fought back tears as she remarked, “I may not directly benefit, but if my actions help the next generation earn more, that’s a legacy I’m proud of.” In addition to being emotionally stirring, her sentiment was incredibly successful in communicating the motivation behind the push.
NFL cheer squads have filed a number of lawsuits in recent years alleging discrimination, unfair pay, and subpar treatment. The majority were quietly resolved, but there is no denying that the pressure they generated affected changes to team policies. By drastically raising salaries, the Dallas Cowboys, who are frequently regarded as a cultural standard, have now established a new standard. Cheer squads throughout the league may find the ripple effect especially creative.
Despite this, the job is still physically taxing. Cheerleaders maintain appearances, community involvement, and flawless performance execution despite enduring long rehearsals, high-impact routines, and genuine risk of injury. Madeline Salter needed medical attention for persistent headaches and foot injuries, while Caroline Sundvold had surgery following seasons of repetitive jumping. However, the team did not cover any of this treatment, which is a detail that further complicates their changing needs.
This change has recently been increasingly reflected in the entertainment industry as a whole. Better wages and working conditions have been demanded by female athletes in the WNBA, soccer, film, and even music. Several celebrities, including Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, have publicly discussed the fairness of compensation. The experience of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders fits in well with this broader discussion.
Charlotte Jones, the team’s brand officer, gave a speech that elicited a strong reaction from the audience. While filming, she acknowledged, “They don’t get paid much.” “But they do it for the love of dancing, not for the money.” Even though that sentiment is admirable, it ultimately fails cheerleaders who cannot afford physical therapy or support themselves without side gigs. This gap between enthusiasm and pragmatism is what the cheerleaders are bravely trying to bridge.
Future cheerleaders can now join a more encouraging and fair system because of the series and the discussions it sparked. The enhancements are rich in symbolism in addition to being financially significant. They contend that work in the entertainment industry should be fully recognized as labor, even when it is done with a smile and glitter. Essential, not ornamental, not part-time.
This is not likely to be the end of the momentum. It has been reported that other NFL teams are reviewing their pay structures. Officially, the NFL has said nothing, but insiders say growing scrutiny is causing them to quietly reevaluate. Other teams have little reason not to adopt Dallas’ model if it can change it so drastically.
These women have not only negotiated higher wages, but they have also established a new standard by pushing boundaries with grace and unity. Once used as background music to the excitement in the stadium, their voices are now the main topic of discussion. They are workers, athletes, and advocates who have demonstrated that behind the scenes, even the most glamorous roles need substance.
