Breaking Down The Numbers: How Much Do Nfl Cheerleaders Make?

Have you ever wondered how much NFL cheerleaders earn? These talented performers add excitement and energy to the game, but what is their salary like?

The glamorous world of NFL cheerleading has always been shrouded in mystery. From their outfits to their moves, cheerleaders have become one of the most beloved parts of any football game. Despite the popularity and importance of cheerleaders in the NFL, their compensation has been a topic of controversy and debate in recent years.

Many have argued that cheerleaders are not fairly compensated for the time and effort they put into their work and are often paid far less than other employees in the league.

History Of Nfl Cheerleaders' Salaries

In the early days of the NFL, cheerleaders were typically volunteers who worked for free. In the 1960s and 1970s, they began receiving some compensation, but it wasn't until the 1980s and 1990s that cheerleader pay increased significantly. According to a report by Forbes in 2015, NFL cheerleaders typically earned between $75 and $150 per game, depending on the team and the market.

However, in the early 2000s, some teams started cutting back on pay and benefits. In recent years, there has been a focus on cheerleader pay and working conditions, sparked by a lawsuit from an NFL cheerleader against the Oakland Raiders in 2014.

in recent years Some NFL teams have increased pay and benefits for their cheerleaders, while others have faced lawsuits and public criticism for underpaying or mistreating their cheerleaders.

Nowadays, NFL cheerleaders are typically paid between $75 to $150 per game, plus additional compensation for appearances at events and public appearances. However, this still falls below the hourly minimum wage in some states, leading to ongoing debates over the fairness of their compensation.

NFL Cheerleader Pay Structure

It's true that professional cheerleaders typically earn a relatively low salary for their work. While pay structures can vary depending on the team and the city, the average NFL cheerleader salary for an NFL cheerleader is often around $150 per game, which can amount to about $22,500 per year if the cheerleader performs at all regular-season games.

It's important to note, however, that this figure does not take into account other forms of compensation that cheerleaders may receive, such as pay for appearances, promotional events, and other opportunities. Additionally, some NFL teams have recently revised their pay structures to provide fairer compensation and working conditions for cheerleaders.

For example, in 2014, the Oakland Raiders settled a lawsuit with their cheerleaders, agreeing to pay them $1.25 million in back pay for wages and overtime that had been withheld. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys have been known to pay their cheerleaders among the highest salaries in the league, with some reports suggesting that they earn up to $75,000 per year when accounting for appearances and other opportunities. The average salary for NFL Waterboys is $53,000 per year. NFL mascots, on the other hand, typically earn $25,000 per season.

Nfl Cheerleaders: Requirements And Qualifications

The specific requirements and qualifications to become an NFL cheerleader can vary between teams, but there are some general standards that most teams look for in their cheerleading candidates. These may include:

Age And Education Requirements: Most NFL teams require their cheerleaders to be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some teams may also have a maximum age limit for their cheerleaders.

Physical Fitness Standards: NFL cheerleaders are expected to be in excellent physical shape, with a strong focus on strength, flexibility, and endurance. Cheerleaders must be able to perform a wide range of dance and cheer moves, including jumps, kicks, and lifts.

Many teams require their cheerleaders to pass a physical fitness test as part of the audition process and to maintain their fitness throughout the season.

Dance And Cheer Experience: Many NFL teams prefer their cheerleading candidates to have previous dance or cheer experience, although this is not always a strict requirement. Some teams may offer dance and cheer clinics or workshops before the audition process to help candidates prepare.

Audition Process And Training: The audition process to become an NFL cheerleader typically involves a series of rounds, including an initial application, an audition workshop, and a final performance in front of a panel of judges. Successful candidates will then undergo training and rehearsals to prepare for the upcoming season.

Conclusion

NFL cheerleaders play an essential role in adding energy and excitement to professional football games. However, their compensation has been a controversial topic for many years. Despite some teams making changes to their pay structures, the average salary for an NFL cheerleader remains low, with many earning only a few thousand dollars per year.

It's important to recognize that NFL cheerleading is more than just a part-time job. Cheerleaders put in countless hours of practice, travel to games and appearances and represent their teams with professionalism and grace.

Overall, it's important to recognize the hard work and dedication these women put into their craft and compensate them accordingly. As fans, we should support efforts to ensure that cheerleaders are fairly compensated for their contributions to the game.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How Much Do Nfl Cheerleaders Make Per Year?

The salary of NFL cheerleaders varies from team to team and even within the same team. However, on average, NFL cheerleaders make around $500 per match. This amount can vary depending on the location, popularity of the team, and other factors.

Some cheerleaders may also receive additional compensation for events such as appearances, photoshoots, and promotional activities.

Do Cheerleaders Get Paid Hourly Or By Salary?

The payment structure for professional cheerleaders varies depending on the organization or team. Some receive a salary, others are paid hourly, and many are compensated with a fixed fee for each game or appearance. The amount of this fee can differ based on factors such as the location, team, and experience level of the cheerleader.

What Other Expenses Are Covered By Nfl Teams?

It varies by team, but typically NFL teams provide cheerleaders with uniforms and some travel expenses for team events and performances. Some teams may also cover hair, makeup, and other related expenses.

However, it’s important to note that cheerleaders are often classified as independent contractors and are not considered full-time employees, so their benefits and compensation packages may differ from those of other team members.

Can Cheerleaders Have Other Jobs While Cheering?

Yes, cheerleaders can have other jobs while cheering. Many professional and collegiate cheerleading teams require cheerleaders to have full-time jobs or be full-time students in addition to their cheerleading responsibilities.

Some cheerleaders work in fields related to sports or fitness, while others have jobs in completely unrelated industries. As long as their job does not interfere with their commitments to the team, cheerleaders are allowed to have other jobs.

How Can Someone Become An Nfl Cheerleader?

To become an NFL cheerleader, one needs to have excellent dancing and choreography skills, as well as a fit and athletic physique. Usually, applicants must complete an audition process consisting of dance routines, cheer chants, and an interview. They may also be required to pass a physical fitness test and provide character references.

It is essential to have a positive attitude, an outgoing personality, and a passion for uplifting the crowd and supporting the team. Overall, attaining a role as an NFL cheerleader requires hard work, dedication, and a lot of practice.