What is the salary of a NFL Cheerleader?

By Jason Bolton March 30, 2024 11:30

NFL cheerleaders are an integral part of the game experience, adding energy and entertainment to the stadium atmosphere.

However, their compensation has been a topic of discussion due to its relatively low nature compared to other participants in the NFL.

Read more below and join Fan Arch as we take a look into the detailed breakdown of the salary of an NFL cheerleader, shedding light on their earnings, the reasons behind their low pay, recent legal actions, and comparisons with other professionals in the NFL.

Average Salary and Compensation

The average salary of an NFL cheerleader is approximately $150 per game, which amounts to about $22,500 per year. However, this figure can vary, and the most popular cheerleaders may earn up to $500 per match, resulting in a yearly salary of about $75,000. Additionally, cheerleaders receive $50 to $75 for public appearances, and the more they are featured, the more they get paid.

Reasons for Low Pay

The primary reason for the low compensation of NFL cheerleaders is that they are classified as independent contractors, not entitled to salaries in line with state and federal minimum wages. This classification has led to a series of lawsuits, with cheerleaders fighting for fair wages, safe working conditions, and protection against exploitation. Notably, lawsuits against 10 out of 26 NFL teams led to settlements, highlighting the long-standing struggle for improved pay and working conditions.

Comparisons with Other Participants

When compared to other participants on the field, NFL cheerleaders tend to make significantly less. While they earn about $150 per game, NFL waterboys make $53,000 per year, and NFL mascots make $25,000 per season. Additionally, there is a substantial disparity between the earnings of NFL cheerleaders and players. On average, an NFL player makes about $2 million per season, further accentuating the wage gap within the league.

Legal Actions and Impact

Recent legal actions have played a significant role in bringing attention to the issue of cheerleader compensation. Lawsuits against NFL teams resulted in settlements, leading to improvements in the treatment and pay of cheerleaders. These legal battles have sparked a national conversation about the exploitation of women in sports and have contributed to increased respect and slightly improved compensation for cheerleaders.

NBA and NHL Cheerleaders

In addition to NFL cheerleaders, the NBA and NHL also have cheerleaders who are essential for energizing the crowd and entertaining fans. NBA cheerleaders earn an average wage of $75 - $150 for each game, along with compensation for public appearances and special events. Similarly, NHL cheerleaders, also known as "Ice Girls," receive varying pay based on their experience and category, reflecting the diverse compensation practices for professional cheerleaders across different sports leagues.

It's undeniable that NFL cheerleaders play a vital role in enhancing the game experience, yet their compensation has historically been significantly lower than that of other professionals in the sports industry.

The ongoing legal battles, settlements, and national conversations have shed light on the disparities in pay and treatment, leading to incremental improvements in the earnings and working conditions of cheerleaders.

However, the issue of fair compensation for NFL cheerleaders remains a subject of ongoing debate and advocacy efforts within the realm of professional sports.

While recent developments have brought about some positive changes, there is still a need for continued efforts to ensure fair pay and equitable treatment for NFL cheerleaders, recognizing their valuable contributions to the game and the overall fan experience.