Netflix’s docuseries ‘America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ has sparked conversations about the salaries of NFL cheerleaders

Netflix’s docuseries, America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, takes viewers into the lives of the NFL Dallas Cowboys squad.

The show explores the multifaceted lives of the cheerleaders, from the highs of representing the team at charity events and performing with celebrities like Dolly Parton, to the lows of dealing with intense pressure and expectations.

Notably, the docuseries showcases the dedication and talent required to make the team, juxtaposed with the stark realities of their compensation. As the episodes unfold, it’s revealed that many cheerleaders hold second jobs: First group leader Kelcey Wetterberg is a pediatric registered nurse, while rookie Reece Allman works at a flower shop.

Although they juggle other professions, NFL cheerleaders dedicate extensive time and effort to their teams, often arriving hours before games for preparation and spending up to 30 to 40 hours per week in practice. Despite unwavering dedication, their compensation is surprisingly low, typically amounting to minimum wage.

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

So how much do the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders make? Here’s everything to know about cheering for the NFL, including requirements to make the cut and how cheerleaders’ paychecks compare to other salaried positions on the field.

What are the requirements to be a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader?

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.

Related: 10 Rules Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Have to Follow (Even Before They Make the Team!)

How much does the average NFL cheerleader make?

NFL cheerleaders typically earn around $75 to $150 per game, with an average yearly salary of about $22,500, NBC Sports Boston reported in 2022.

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.

How much do the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders make?

The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders are among the highest-paid squads, earning $15 to $20 per hour or $500 per game, making their yearly salary approximately $75,000, according to NBC Sports Boston.

Still, America’s Sweethearts director Greg Whiteley told Glamour in June 2024 that he “never got a clean answer” on a DCC member’s earnings, adding that he thinks it’s “because it varies depending on how senior you are in the group.”

He confirmed that Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are paid more than other NFL cheerleaders but that “none of them are rich.”

“Whether you’re a professional dancer in New York or LA, or if you happen to dance for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, you are not making as much as the world probably thinks you are making, or maybe what you ought to be making,” Whiteley told the publication.

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

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,” Jonas continued. “It is about being a part of something bigger than themselves.”

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