I am an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys and have always been fascinated by the iconic Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. 

These talented and skilled dancers have become a staple of the team’s game-day experience and have been entertaining crowds for over 50 years. 

However, there has always been a lot of speculation surrounding their salaries, with many people wondering just how much these cheerleaders earn for their hard work and dedication. 

Recently, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader salary has been revealed, and it’s a topic that has generated a lot of buzz and discussion in the local community. 

In this article, we’ll delve into the facts and figures behind the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader salary, providing an objective and informative perspective on this fascinating topic.

How much does a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader make?

A Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader can make between $4,000 and $5,000 per season, earning around $150 to $200 per game, with additional income opportunities from endorsements and appearances. 

The exact amount can vary based on experience and seniority within the squad.

This may not seem like much, but keep in mind that the season lasts for 10 games, and there are also additional opportunities for cheerleaders to earn money through appearances and endorsements.

However, it is important to note that this figure is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on individual cheerleaders’ experience and seniority within the squad. 

For example, veteran cheerleaders may be paid more than rookies. 

Those who have been with the team for several years may receive additional benefits, such as travel expenses, uniform fees, and other benefits that come with being a member of this elite squad. 

Despite the modest pay, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are highly sought-after and receive numerous opportunities outside of their game-day performances. 

They are often invited to perform at special events and functions, both locally and internationally, and are paid separately for these appearances.

In addition to their impressive paychecks, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders receive many other benefits that make their job highly coveted. 

They have access to state-of-the-art training facilities and receive professional coaching to ensure that they are always performing at their best. 

The squad also provides them with hair and makeup services, as well as an extensive wardrobe to wear at each game.

Becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader is a highly competitive process, and only a small percentage of applicants are selected to join the squad each year. 

The rigorous audition process includes dance routines, interviews, and physical fitness tests, all designed to identify the most talented and dedicated individuals.

Despite the relatively modest salary, many young women still aspire to become Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. 

The prestige of the squad and the opportunity to perform in front of huge crowds and on national television is a significant draw for many aspiring dancers and performers.

What are the requirements to become a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader? 

To become a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, one must be at least 18 years old, physically fit, have dance and cheerleading skills, a polished appearance, a positive attitude and work ethic, and pass a rigorous audition process.

Age and Education Requirements 

The first and foremost requirement for becoming a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader is age. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age by the day of the preliminary auditions. 

There are no specific education requirements, but most cheerleaders have completed high school and have a college education. 

However, it’s important to note that being a cheerleader requires a lot of physical stamina and mental toughness.

Physical Fitness 

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are known for their athletic and graceful performances. As such, candidates must be in excellent physical condition. 

They must have good posture, flexibility, strength, and coordination. Additionally, cheerleaders must maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep.

Dance and Cheerleading Skills 

Dance and cheerleading are essential skills that candidates must possess to become a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. 

They must be able to perform a variety of dance styles, including jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary. Candidates must also have experience in cheerleading and know how to execute various stunts and cheers.

Appearance 

Aspiring cheerleaders must have a polished and professional appearance. 

Candidates must have well-groomed hair and makeup, as well as a fit and toned physique while maintaining a healthy weight.

Attitude and Personality 

Being a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader requires more than just physical fitness and dance skills. Candidates must have a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and excellent communication skills. 

They must be able to work well in a team and have a friendly and outgoing personality.

Auditions 

The audition process for becoming a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader is rigorous and competitive. Candidates must attend a series of preliminary auditions, which include a solo dance performance and an interview. 

Those who pass the preliminary auditions move on to training camp, which lasts several weeks. During training camp, candidates learn new choreography, perform in group and solo routines, and undergo physical and mental assessments. 

Finally, the top candidates are selected to become Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.

Frequently Asked Questions

As one of the most popular cheerleading squads in the National Football League (NFL), the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) generate a lot of interest and curiosity from fans around the world. 

Here are some frequently asked questions about the DCC and the NFL:

Who is the highest-paid National Football League (NFL) cheerleader? 

There is no one “highest paid” NFL cheerleader as they are paid per game, practice, and appearance. 

However, former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Melissa Rycoft reportedly made around $150 per game before moving on to a successful career as a TV host with an estimated net worth of $1.5 million. 

Cheerleaders in the NFL are not considered full-time employees and are not paid a salary like the players or coaches. Instead, they are paid per game, practice, and appearance, and the amount varies from team to team.

That being said, there are some cheerleaders who make more money than others due to their popularity and the demand for their appearances. 

For example, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are known to be some of the highest-paid in the league. 

This is partly due to the fact that they are one of the most well-known cheerleading squads in the world, with global following and multiple appearances on TV and in movies.

Why do NFL cheerleaders earn so little? 

NFL cheerleaders earn so little because they are not classified as athletes but as independent contractors with no benefits. 

To add, the presence of numerous aspirants allows NFL teams to pay low wages to cheerleaders, who often accept it for career exposure.

What many people don’t know is that despite the glitz and glamour, cheerleaders in the NFL are grossly underpaid. 

According to reports, the average salary for an NFL cheerleader is around $1500 to $2000 per season. This means that they are paid roughly $8 to $10 per hour for games, rehearsals, and public appearances. 

For a sport that generates billions of dollars in revenue, this is shocking.

One of the reasons for this is that cheerleading is not recognized as a sport by the NFL. 

This means that cheerleaders are not entitled to the same benefits and protections as other athletes, such as health insurance, workers’ compensation, and collective bargaining rights. 

Cheerleaders are also often considered independent contractors, which means they are not entitled to minimum wage or overtime pay under federal law.

Another reason for the low pay is the large number of women who aspire to become NFL cheerleaders. This means that teams have a large pool of candidates to choose from and can afford to pay low wages. 

It also means that many women are willing to accept these low wages in the hope of gaining exposure and advancing their careers in entertainment or modeling.

I had the opportunity to speak with a former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, who confirmed that the pay was indeed low. 

She shared that while the experience was amazing and allowed her to travel and perform in front of thousands of people, the pay was not enough to cover her expenses, let alone provide a livable wage. 

She also noted that many cheerleaders have to work other jobs to make ends meet.

Which teams didn’t have cheerleaders in the 2023 season? 

The Washington Football Team, Green Bay Packers, and Buffalo Bills did not have cheerleaders in the 2023 NFL season. 

It is worth noting that these teams have opted not to have cheerleaders for various reasons, such as cost-cutting measures, a focus on other game-day entertainment, or a desire to promote a more family-friendly atmosphere.

However, many other teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, still have cheerleading squads as part of their game-day experience.

How much do NFL waterboys make per year? 

On average, NFL waterboys make around $53,000 per year, but the pay can vary based on location and cost of living. 

The competition is tough, and prior experience in sports management is usually required. Despite the demanding nature of the job, it can be rewarding for those passionate about football.

In addition to the base pay, some waterboys may also receive bonuses for exceptional performance or longevity in the position. These bonuses can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

One important thing to note is that becoming an NFL waterboy is not an easy feat. The competition is fierce, and there are only a limited number of positions available each year. 

Most teams require applicants to have some prior experience in athletics or sports equipment management, and the selection process can be rigorous.

How long can you be a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader? 

The official contract length for a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader is one year, but many cheerleaders have extended their time with the team for several years.