The moment, when you see NFL cheerleaders carrying out their highly-energetic and lively performances with a cheerful smile on their faces, it’s easy for you to assume that they might be living their dreamt life. But beyond the pomp and glam of NFL game days, there’s a story that many of you are not aware of – just how less these cheerleaders make actuality. While on the opposite side, NFL players earn millions of dollars.
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NFL cheerleaders are an integral part of the NFL, by contributing all their efforts and hard work through their performances. But their pay fails to reflect the contributions they have made. So, why does this salary difference exist?
Let’s find out what’s the actual reality behind it.
Role of an NFL Cheerleader
The NFL Cheerleader’s role is beyond their dance performances on the field. In fact, they have a lot more responsibilities to carry out on and off the field. Following are the key features of their role as an NFL cheerleader:
On-Field Performances
They perform on-field performances including their high-energy choreographed dances. They engage the audience through their dances during pre-game shows, halftime, and timeouts. These performances are design in a way to enhance the fan experience.
Community Engagement
The NFL cheerleaders often take part in community service projects, awareness campaigns and fundraising events. The cheerleaders make several appearances in promoting their teams at local area schools and hospitals.
Training and Rehearsals
Cheerleaders have rigorous training and rehearsals for their performances. They regularly practice ensuring an impactful performance during the event. A cheerleader requirement is to maintain high levels of physical fitness and spend a large amount of time in training.
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How Much Do the Highest-Paid Professional Cheerleaders Make?
NFL cheerleaders normally earn around $150 to $250 from a single game, while the highest amount they can earn is up to $75,000 per year, according to NBC Boston 2022 report. but only experienced or high positioned cheerleaders (e.g. captain) can earn this value.
An example of a famously known team of cheerleaders is the Dallas Cowboys which earns a bit more.
There are certain facts which can bring an impact on the salaries, including team policies, seniority, experience and responsibilities taken by a cheerleader. Some cheerleaders may earn more by doing additional duties just like team leading or attending promotional campaigns.
Tax Payment as a Pro Football Cheerleader
Being a Pro Football NFL Cheerleader, the taxes you have to pay depends upon your income and the state you are residing in. Most cheerleaders earn up to $150 per game and additional $50 to $75 on a public appearance, which makes up to $2,000 to $2,250 annually, if they have participation in 10 events and 10 games. This income will place them in the 10% federal tax bracket. Furthermore, they may also have to pay local and state taxes varying upon their location.
For example, if you are living in California, you will pay 1% income tax. Whereas another person who lives in Texas may not be owing this tax. Therefore, people residing in Texas will pay 6.25% sales tax on purchases. Basically, the tax rate depends on your location which can be around 10% to above 16%.
Why Do NFL Dancers Earn So Little?
It has been a controversial topic for a long time. As far as the working nature of the job is very demanding but the pay is not doing justice for all this hard work and contributions. NFL cheerleaders make less than coaches and players in the team.
The reason behind the low salaries is that the cheerleading job is very often consider as a role for exposure and experience. Hence, it is not considerable as a fully paid profession.
The teams of cheerleaders consider them as a source of entertainment for their game rather than their crew members. However, there have been some improvements for this issue of low salary. But still there are many cheerleaders earning very less as compare to other staff members. They often opt for extra jobs side by side to manage their finances. A cheerleader typically earns around $150 per game, which is about $22,500 yearly.
Cheerleaders Have Sued NFL to Improve Their Pay
The NFL cheerleaders have improved their pay and working conditions by suing the league and individual teams. There were many lawsuits which got filed including the teams like New York Jets, Buffalo Bills and Oakland Raiders. It shows that they were earning wages on a below ratio.
Some of them have reported wages as slow as $2.85 hourly. They raise their voice against unfair wage policies as they give highly-driven contributions in their working. As they were not paid enough and sometimes they are not even paid.
One of the famous cases in 2014, when the cheerleaders of Oakland Raiders won $1.25 million for exposing the low wage inconsistency. Similar cases were taken into account, like the Buffalo Jills, following legal actions by considering issues of low pay and working conditions.
These lawsuits have helped in improving the system, but many of the cheerleaders are still struggling to get better commissions or wages.
Cheer Squad Pay VS Gameday Staff Salary
Cheerleaders usually earn less as compared to their other gameday staff members. The comparison is clearly evident due to the huge differences in their salaries. The NFL players and coaches earn in millions whereas the NFL cheerleaders make between $150 to $250 per game.
For instance, other staff members on the field just like the NFL players, coaches, concession workers and mascots. Coming towards their salary ranges, on average an NFL player make $2 million per season. Top players like Aaron Rodgers($50.3 million yearly) and Kyler Murray($46.1 per season) are even get more. Moreover, the high profile coaches earning between $12 to $18 millions may vary depending upon their profiles.
So, the pay gap is hugely different when comparing the salaries of other gameday staff with the cheerleaders, despite the immense hard work they put in their performances.
Can a Performer Cheer for More Than One Sports Team?
An NFL cheerleader cheer up for only one team as per a season. This is because of the limitations mentioned in their contract. However, they are bound to work only one time rather than working with other sports teams out there. It ensures to make the entire focus on their team only.
This job demands a large amount of time to rehearse for the team events, which leaves very less room for any other additional work. It becomes difficult for them to earn extra income by availing other part-time job opportunities.
Is NFL Cheerleading a Full-Time Job?
Cheerleading is often viewed as a part-time job, as the job does not make ends meet completely for a cheerleader. Majority of the NFL cheerleaders somehow balance multiple jobs side by side for an adequate living.
However, working as a cheerleader in a team requires high levels of commitment and hard work. This job has demanding schedules, such as taking part in community programs, games and training sessions.
But the pay is not enough for sustaining, as they are paid per game instead of earning a regular salary. Therefore, NFL cheerleaders take it as their part-time profession.
Conclusion
NFL cheerleaders are the foundation of the NFL game-day experience by attracting their audience with their high-driven energy and enthusiasm. Despite this, their salaries are not doing justice with the efforts they put throughout the game show.
Although, recent lawsuits have helped that resulted in slight progress. These cheerleaders deserve more acknowledgement and respect that corresponds with their worth.
As exposure broadens so does the possibility of notable change which ensures that future cheerleaders get paid not just for their talents, but also for their hard work and the vital role in the sports team.
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FAQs
There is a significant difference in the pay of NFL cheerleaders with other participants on the field. An average pay of a cheerleader is around $150 to $250 per game or show, while others such as cheerleading referees or other field participants will earn in larger amounts.
There are only a few top cheerleaders who earn a maximum of $75,000 in a year, but still not enough for their expenditures. The Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots are comparatively offering them better pays worth about $500 per game.
By comparing the pays of NFL cheerleaders to NFL players, you will find a huge gap in it. The players earn millions of dollars while the cheerleaders only earn a few dollars yet just for a single game having no proper salary.
In 2023, it was estimated that the average salary of an NFL player is $2.7 million yearly in comparison to the cheerleaders. High profile and top tier players are paid even more up to $40 to $50 million per year.
NFL cheerleaders and NFL coaches have huge disparities in their pays. On average, an NFL coach gets paid approximately $6.6 million yearly, while top coaches like Bill Belichick are making money up to $20 million per year. Therefore, the proportion of coaches is not even half of that of the NFL cheerleaders, as cheerleaders just earn per show that is between $150 to $250.
