Check out the salary, endorsement, and perks of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader 

Our thoughts frequently turn to the likes of Jerry Rice and Bill Belichick when talking about football superstars because they have permanently inscribed their names in the annals of the game. There are some National Football League (NFL) superstars, though, whose spectacular performances and unrivaled personalities have given them iconic stature apart from the sport’s canon.

Of course, we’re referring to the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, who are game-changers in their field and not your typical football heroes.

Many people are curious about what happens behind the scenes in a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader’s life, despite the fact that their performances are breathtaking. What are their actual earnings? What is the breakdown of their income? What are their wages in relation to those of cheerleaders from other NFL teams?

We will delve into the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders’ off-field lives in this blog. We’ll look at the components of their pay, clarify the terms of their contracts, and make comparisons with cheerleaders from other NFL clubs.

What Are the Earnings of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders?

Over the years, the salary of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders has been a controversial topic due to several modifications and pay increases brought on by court proceedings. In the past, the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders were paid $8 per hour, which was less than the minimum wage. Cheerleaders were occasionally not paid at all for their on-field performances!

However, changes were made in all areas as a result of a legal dispute with Erica Wilkins, a former cheerleader.

Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders currently make $12 per hour and receive $400 for each performance on game day. With these changes, their pay is now more in line with just norms. According to reports, some senior cheerleaders get almost $75,000 a year, which is indicative of their expertise and greater amount of responsibility within the squad.

The discriminatory treatment of cheerleaders and the discrepancies in pay were brought to light by Wilkins, who sued the team. In her 2018 case, she disclosed that her yearly income was a pitiful $16,500, much less than the $65,000 the mascot earned. In addition to affecting salary, the court action made it clear how important it is to acknowledge the commitment and hard work put forward by the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders off the field.

Dallas Cowboys salaries compared to those of other NFL teams

It is clear that cheerleaders are significantly underpaid in comparison to other positions in the league when comparing the salaries of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders to those of their counterparts in other NFL cheerleading teams.

NFL cheerleaders make about $22,500 a year, which is less than half the national average wage of $54,132 in 2022.

While Erica Wilkins, a former cheerleader for the Dallas Cowboys, brought attention to the problem during her court case in 2018, it wasn’t a singular occurrence. The Oakland Raiderettes and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleaders both filed class-action lawsuits in 2014 after only being paid $1,000 for an entire NFL season of labor.

Other cheerleading squads, like the Buffalo Jills, Cincinnati Ben-Gals, and New York Jets cheerleaders, have also triumphed in court battles that called attention to discriminatory wage practices and unfavorable working conditions in the profession.

Another example is the San Diego Chargers, who paid their cheerleaders just $75 per game up until 2016 when a California law required teams to pay at least the state’s minimum wage of $10 per hour. This modification emphasized, even more, how crucial it is for teams to pay cheerleaders fairly and to follow minimum wage laws.

Cheerleader rules and regulations for the Dallas Cowboys

Aspiring applicants must go through a multi-stage audition procedure in order to become a full-fledged Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. The first step entails submitting an application along with a 60-second freestyle dancing video that highlights their abilities and personality and a 20-second introductory video.

The group invites potential members to an audition prep class after making it through the first round. Former cheerleaders teach them everything they need to know about the auditioning process in this session. The emphasis of these sessions is on acquiring strategies and crucial abilities for success.

The goal of the audition process is to find people who have the skills, stage presence, physical fitness, and ability to embody the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ brand and image. The judges will pay particular attention to a candidate’s:

  • Dance Technique
  • High Kicks
  • Splits
  • Showmanship
  • Personal Appearance
  • Energy
  • Enthusiasm
  • Poise
  • Figure
  • Personality

DCC: A Full-Time Position or a Side Business?

Rather than being a full-time profession, becoming a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader is frequently seen as a part-time endeavor. Although cheerleaders put a lot of time and effort into their duties, they typically have other careers than cheerleading.

The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders put in a significant amount of time. Throughout the NFL season, they take part in promotional efforts, attend numerous events, and maintain strict practice schedules to learn and polish routines.

Cheerleaders frequently have extra responsibilities during game weeks, such as meet-and-greets, rehearsals, and performances on game days.

Additional Perks & Benefits


Cheerleaders may receive additional benefits that are added to their base pay and game-day earnings to make up their total remuneration. These perks include gym memberships, away-game travel expenditures, and price breaks on team gear.

While seasoned professional cheerleaders frequently receive extra benefits, newbie cheerleaders may experience a different situation. Some beginning cheerleaders even begin as unpaid volunteers, getting important exposure and experience.

To reward their work and commitment, the team may offer them minor financial honoraria or scholarship chances.

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