Are you curious about the compensation of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders? This article from HOW.EDU.VN delves into the earnings of these talented performers, comparing their income to the demands of their rigorous schedules and athletic abilities. We will explore the financial realities faced by the cheerleaders and shed light on the broader discussions surrounding pay equity in professional sports. Discover the yearly earnings, hourly wages, and game day rates, along with a comparison of their compensation to that of NFL players. Explore insights on cheerleader income, NFL cheerleader salaries, and cheerleading compensation.
Table of Contents
- The Economics of Professional Cheer
- Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Past Issues with Pay
- Costs That Go Beyond the Financial
- Search Intent of the User
- FAQ: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Pay
- Need Expert Advice?
1. The Economics of Professional Cheer
How much do the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders make a year? According to a 2022 report by NBC Boston, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders make approximately $500 per game and $15-20 per hour for practices, translating to roughly $75,000 annually. However, these figures should be considered in light of the significant time commitment, athletic demands, and other financial considerations associated with the role.
The Netflix series America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders offers an intimate look into the lives of these performers, highlighting the challenging balance they strike between cheerleading and other full-time jobs. Many of the cheerleaders work as nurses, florists, and dance instructors to make ends meet, despite the demanding schedule and physical requirements of being a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader.
The cheerleaders commit around 20 hours a week to practice, in addition to game days and appearances during the 18-week NFL regular season. This doesn’t include training camp, off-season programs, and potential playoff games. In one episode of the series, it was revealed that the squad was working 21 days straight without a day off, showcasing the relentless nature of their commitment.
Former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Kat Puryear likened her salary to that of a “substitute teacher…like, Chick-fil-A worker that works full-time,” emphasizing that it’s a “full-time commitment, but part-time pay.” Tina Kalina, a former DC cheerleader and mother of squad member Victoria Kalina, shared that she made $35 per game in the 1980s and “basically donated that back,” viewing the role as “more of a privilege.”
While the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders technically earn more than the average NFL cheerleader, whose salary was reported by ESPN in 2017 as $75-$150 per game, their compensation pales in comparison to that of NFL players. The average NFL player salary is around $2 million, with many contracts far exceeding that amount. Even the lowest-paid Dallas Cowboys player makes $832,500 annually, while quarterback Dak Prescott has a contract worth $160 million. The Dallas Cowboys organization itself is valued at $9 billion, making it the most valuable sports organization in the world, according to Forbes.
Charlotte Jones, the Dallas Cowboys executive vice president and Chief Brand Officer and daughter of Jerry Jones, addressed the issue of the cheerleaders’ pay in the series. She suggested that the cheerleaders are motivated by opportunity and a “passion for dance” rather than money. Jones emphasized the unique opportunity the cheerleaders have to perform at an elite level and be part of something bigger than themselves, highlighting the sisterhood and relationships they form during their time on the squad.
However, critics argue that the significant revenue generated by the Dallas Cowboys organization should translate to more equitable compensation for the cheerleaders. Despite the prestige and opportunities associated with the role, the financial realities faced by these performers raise questions about the value placed on their contributions to the organization’s success.
2. Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Past Issues with Pay
How much do the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders make a year has been a topic of concern and legal action in the past? America’s Sweethearts is not the first time the issue of pay equity has surfaced for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. In 2018, former DC cheerleader Erica Wilkins sued the organization, claiming that she sometimes made less than minimum wage. Wilkins alleged that she was paid less than the team’s mascot and that cheerleaders had to pay for their own gym memberships and launder their own uniforms. She also noted the financial burden of maintaining the “DCC look,” which included regular spray tans and hair extension upkeep.
Wilkins’ case was settled in 2019 and resulted in an increase in the hourly wage from $8 to $12 and the game day rate from $200 to $400 for the cheerleaders. These gains highlighted the financial challenges faced by the cheerleaders and the need for fair compensation.
Despite these improvements, concerns remain about the disparity between the cheerleaders’ pay and the revenue they help generate for the organization. An anonymous former cheerleader told the Huffington Post that the cheerleaders cannot use their titles to sign sponsorship deals or social media influencer agencies to supplement their incomes, unlike the football players. Puryear confirmed on TikTok that the cheerleaders do not financially benefit from the use of their likenesses in swimsuit calendars, which are used to fund the cheerleading program.
The anonymous cheerleader also highlighted the disparity in pay between the cheerleaders and the players on the practice squad, who earn significantly more despite not playing in every game. This disparity raises questions about the value placed on the cheerleaders’ contributions to the organization’s brand and image.
3. Costs That Go Beyond the Financial
How much do the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders make a year needs to consider the physical toll on their bodies? The salaries of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have implications beyond their ability to cover basic living expenses. The physical demands of performing at an elite level can lead to long-term damage to their bodies and significant healthcare costs. America’s Sweethearts dedicates an entire episode to the cheerleaders learning jump splits, an acrobatic feat that has become the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ signature move but also a major source of stress on their bodies.
Former cheerleader Caroline Sundvold postponed reconstructive hip surgery to finish her final season and required an additional procedure on her foot after retiring. Michele Sharp, who now works as an admin for the organization, has had 12 orthopedic surgeries in the last six years, while Puryear tore both her hips during her time as a cheerleader.
While Sundvold described her time with the organization as “literally the best job you could have,” for Wilkins, the physical toll of being a Dallas Cowboy cheerleader, combined with the low pay, was too much. She retired with a neck and shoulder injury and emphasized that “prestige doesn’t pay my rent.”
These physical costs, combined with the financial constraints faced by the cheerleaders, highlight the need for fair compensation and support for their health and well-being. The true value of their contributions to the Dallas Cowboys organization should be recognized and reflected in their pay and benefits.
4. Search Intent of the User
Understanding the search intent behind “how much do the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders make a year” helps in providing relevant and comprehensive information. Here are five key search intents:
- Informational: Users want to know the specific salary figures for Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, including game day pay, hourly wages, and potential annual earnings.
- Comparative: Users are interested in comparing the cheerleaders’ salaries to those of NFL players and cheerleaders from other teams to understand pay equity.
- Investigative: Users want to explore the controversies and issues related to the cheerleaders’ pay, including past lawsuits and ongoing debates about fair compensation.
- Practical: Users are looking for insights into the financial realities faced by the cheerleaders, including how they balance their cheerleading duties with other jobs to make ends meet.
- Analytical: Users seek to understand the broader economic context, including the Dallas Cowboys organization’s revenue and the cheerleaders’ contributions to the team’s brand and image.
5. FAQ: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Pay
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ pay:
- What is the average annual salary for a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader?
The average annual salary is around $75,000, based on game day pay and hourly wages for practices. - How much do they make per game?
They make approximately $500 per game. - What is their hourly wage for practices?
The hourly wage for practices is $15-20. - Do the cheerleaders receive benefits like health insurance?
The Dallas Cowboys cover the cost of uniforms, some meals, health club memberships, and salon services. Specific health insurance details may vary. - How does their pay compare to NFL players?
Their pay is significantly lower than NFL players, who earn an average of $2 million annually. - Have there been any lawsuits related to their pay?
Yes, Erica Wilkins, a former cheerleader, sued the organization in 2018, leading to an increase in their hourly wage and game day rate. - Do the cheerleaders get paid for appearances?
Yes, they are paid for appearances, but the exact amount can vary. - Do they receive any financial benefit from the swimsuit calendar?
No, the cheerleaders do not financially benefit from the use of their likenesses in the swimsuit calendar. - What costs do the cheerleaders have to cover themselves?
While the Cowboys cover some costs, cheerleaders may still have to cover expenses related to maintaining their appearance. - How can I find out more about the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ compensation?
For more detailed information, you can contact the Dallas Cowboys organization directly or visit HOW.EDU.VN for more articles and insights.
6. Need Expert Advice?
Are you seeking clarity on complex financial situations or career decisions? Do you need expert insights to navigate challenging issues? HOW.EDU.VN connects you directly with leading PhDs and specialists worldwide, offering personalized guidance tailored to your unique needs.
At HOW.EDU.VN, we understand the challenges of finding qualified experts you can trust. That’s why we’ve curated a network of over 100 renowned PhDs ready to provide in-depth consultations. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, manager, student, or individual seeking professional advice, our experts offer practical solutions and strategic recommendations to help you succeed.
Benefits of Consulting with Our Experts:
- Direct Access to Top PhDs and Specialists: Connect with experts who have years of experience in their fields.
- Personalized and In-Depth Consultations: Receive advice tailored to your specific situation.
- Save Time and Money: Get high-quality advice efficiently, avoiding costly mistakes.
- Confidential and Reliable: Your information is secure and protected.
- Practical Solutions: Receive actionable advice you can implement immediately.
Don’t navigate complex decisions alone. Contact our team of experts at HOW.EDU.VN today. Our team is available to provide the support and direction you need. Contact us today to schedule your consultation. Visit our website how.edu.vn or contact us via Whatsapp at +1 (310) 555-1212. Our office is located at 456 Expertise Plaza, Consult City, CA 90210, United States.
