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When discussing legends of the gridiron, our minds often gravitate towards Jerry Rices and Bill Belichick, who have etched their names in football history. However, there are other legends within the National Football League (NFL) whose electrifying performances and unmatched charisma have secured their own iconic status without the sport’s canon.
Of course, we’re talking about the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders – not your everyday football heroes, but game-changers in their domain.
While their performances are a sight to behold, many wonder what goes on behind the scenes in the life of a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. How much do they actually make? How are their earnings structured? And how do their salaries compare to cheerleaders from other NFL teams?
In this blog, we will dive into the lives of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders off the field. We’ll explore the pieces that make up their compensation, shed light on their contracts, and offer comparisons with cheerleaders from other NFL teams.
How Much Do the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Make?
The salaries of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have been a hot topic over the years, with many changes and pay increases resulting from legal cases. Previously, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders earned an hourly wage of $8, less than the minimum wage. On some days, cheerleaders were not paid for their appearances on the field at all!
However, thanks to a court case and the efforts of former cheerleader Erica Wilkins, improvements were made across the board.
Currently, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders earn an hourly rate of $12 and receive $400 for every game-day appearance. These adjustments have brought their compensation more in line with fair standards. Some senior-level cheerleaders reportedly earn approximately $75,000 annually, reflecting their experience and a higher level of responsibility within the squad.
Wilkins, who filed a lawsuit against the team, shed light on the disparities in pay and the unfair treatment cheerleaders faced. In her 2018 case, she revealed that she had earned a meager $16,500 yearly, significantly less than the $65,000 the mascot made. The court case not only led to changes in pay but also emphasized the importance of recognizing the hard work and dedication displayed by the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders on the field.
Salary Comparison: Dallas Cowboys vs. Other NFL Teams
When comparing the earnings of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders to their counterparts in other NFL cheerleading squads, it becomes evident that cheerleaders are grossly underpaid compared to different roles within the league.
NFL cheerleaders make roughly $22,500 annually–less than half the average salary in the United States, which was $54,132 in 2022.
While former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Erica Wilkins shed light on the issue during her 2018 court case, it wasn’t an isolated incident. In 2014, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleading squad and the Oakland Raiders’ Raiderettes filed class-action lawsuits after receiving only $1,000 for an entire NFL season of work.
Other cheerleading squads, such as the Buffalo Jills, Cincinnati Ben-Gals, and New York Jets cheerleaders, have also won lawsuits highlighting unfair payment practices and working conditions within the industry.
In another instance, the San Diego Chargers paid their cheerleaders a mere $75 per game until 2016, when a California law mandated that teams pay at least the state’s minimum wage of $10 per hour. This change further emphasized the need for teams to provide fair compensation to cheerleaders and adhere to minimum wage regulations.
Highest Paid Cheerleaders in the NFL
While cheerleaders’ average salaries are often lower compared to other roles in the NFL, a handful of squads stand out in terms of higher earnings.
Among the highest-paid cheerleading squads in the NFL are the Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, and Philadelphia Eagles– all of which offer hourly rates ranging from $15 to $20 with an additional $500 gameday appearances.
Rules & Regulations for Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
To become a full-fledged Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, hopeful candidates must endure a multi-stage audition process. The first step involves submitting an application with a 20-second introduction video and a 60-second freestyle dancing video that showcases their skills and personality.
After surviving the first round, the team invites candidates to an Audition Prep Class. In this class, they receive comprehensive training on the auditioning process from former cheerleaders. These sessions focus on developing techniques and essential skills for success.
There are no specific height or weight limits for Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Instead, the team’s guidelines emphasize they must “look good in dancewear.” However, it is worth noting that ideally, candidates should have the height and weight typical of the average dancer, which generally ranges from 5-foot-2 to 5-foot-8 tall and weighs between 85 and 130 pounds.
The audition process aims to identify individuals with talent, stage presence, fitness, and the ability to embody the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ image and brand. According to the team itself, the judges will focus on a candidate’s:
- Dance Technique
- High Kicks
- Splits
- Showmanship
- Personal Appearance
- Energy
- Enthusiasm
- Poise
- Figure
- Personality
DCC: A Full-Time Job or Part-Time Gig?
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Becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader is often considered a part-time commitment rather than a full-time job. While cheerleaders dedicate much of their time and effort to their roles, they generally have other professional pursuits outside cheerleading.
The time commitments for Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are considerable. They have rigorous practice schedules to learn and perfect routines, participate in promotional activities, and appear at various events throughout the NFL season.
During game weeks, cheerleaders often have additional obligations, including rehearsals, meet-and-greets, and game-day performances.
As for constraints on having other jobs and gigs, NFL teams that hire cheerleaders may have restrictions to ensure their availability and commitment to the team are not compromised. While cheerleaders may have opportunities to pursue other professional endeavors, they are expected to prioritize their responsibilities as Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders during the season.
Additional Benefits & Perks
On top of their base salary and game-day earnings, cheerleaders may receive additional benefits that contribute to their overall compensation package. These benefits include travel expenses for away games, gym memberships, and discounts on team apparel.
While experienced professional cheerleaders typically receive additional perks, rookie cheerleaders may have a different arrangement. Some rookie cheerleaders even start out as unpaid volunteers, gaining valuable experience and exposure.
However, the team may provide them with small monetary honorariums or scholarship opportunities to support their dedication and commitment.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleading FAQs
Do NFL Waterboys make more than Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders?
NFL cheerleaders make roughly $150 per game, or $22,500 per year unless they have seniority on the squad. Waterboys in the NFL make $53,000 yearly.
Do NFL mascots make more than Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders?
NFL cheerleaders typically earn $22,500 annually unless they have a tenured position on the squad. NFL mascots earn more at $25,000 per season.
Why are the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders famous?
Known as “America’s Sweethearts,” the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleading squad is often hailed as the first pinups of modern sports. Their popularity can be traced back to 1978 when the ’77 squad appeared on two network television specials, the NBC Rock-n-Roll Sports Classic and The Osmond Brothers Special on ABC.
How old was the oldest Cowboys cheerleader?
According to Dallas Cowboys Cheerleading squad director Kelli Finglass, the oldest Dallas Cowboys cheerleader was 37 years old at the time of her career.
What’s the longest tenure of any Dallas Cowboy cheerleader?
The Hold sisters, Vanessa and VonCeil, hold the regard for the longest tenure as Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at 8 years each.
Final Thoughts on DCC Salaries
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have become fixtures in the NFL, captivating audiences with their extraordinary performances and undeniable charm. Behind their awe-inspiring on-field talent lies a tremendous amount of dedication and hard work; these cheerleaders invest countless hours in practice, rehearsals, and conditioning to deliver exceptional gameday performances.
That’s why it’s crucial to recognize their commitment and the physical demands they endure to entertain and energize fans – it’s only fair that cheerleaders receive the pay and benefits they rightfully deserve for their contributions to the league and the gameday experience.
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