How much do Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders get paid a year? Thanks to a historic 400% raise, the answer just changed dramatically in 2025.
The iconic 36-member squad received a massive 400 percent pay raise ahead of the 2025 NFL season, bringing hourly wages up to $75 for seasoned vets. The news dropped the same day as America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders premiered on Netflix, and it’s got fans cheering right alongside them.
Veteran dancer Jada McLean revealed that in 2024, she earned $15 per hour and about $500 per appearance, depending on her experience. Now? She and other long-time squad members are making $75/hour, a game-changing upgrade that reflects years of dedication and financial struggle.
But this major win didn’t happen overnight. In fact, the women nearly staged a walkout ahead of the 2024-2025 season. McLean, alongside cheerleaders Megan McElaney, Amanda Howard, and Armani Latimer, pushed for the raise after years of juggling multiple jobs to stay afloat. McLean was blunt on the show, saying, “I’m kind of over it,” when talking about their financial stress.
Here’s what the new Netflix series and recent interviews revealed:
- Most DCC members hold down multiple jobs. McElaney, for instance, works full-time as a marketing coordinator, freelances as a makeup artist, and still makes it to evening practices that run till 11 p.m.
- Others balance demanding careers, like pediatric nurse Kelcey Wetterberg and Reece Allman, who works at a Dallas flower shop.
- Despite the pay bump, DCC alum Kat Puryear compared her cheer salary to what a full-time Chick-fil-A worker or substitute teacher might earn.
The physical toll is no joke either:
- Former cheerleader Caroline Sundvold said her hip was permanently damaged from doing DCC’s signature jump splits for four years. She delayed surgery to complete one more season and later had foot surgery, which turned out to be even more painful.
- Her sister Anna Kate Sundvold, a 2023 rookie, made the 2024 team despite witnessing her sister’s struggles.
- Madeline Salter, another standout, frequently visits chiropractors and rehab clinics to manage tension headaches and tape her feet for performances.
Behind-the-scenes life is intense:
- Game-day glam is DIY. While makeup pros help during photoshoots, the women are responsible for doing their own hair and makeup for games. No red lipstick or nails allowed, and hair must be worn down.
- All DCC wear nude hosiery, no matter how flawless their legs might be.
- Tattoos are fine, but they must be fully covered in makeup and bronzer.
Fitness expectations? Still sky-high:
- DCC director Kelli Finglass says they don’t focus on weight anymore. Instead, the squad has access to nutritionists, mental health experts, and a gym right next to their dance studio.
- Finglass adds, “We try to provide resources and educate them. We leave it at that. And I think we’re better for that.”
The job isn’t just about dancing either:
- DCC members do regular community service, from USO tours to hospital visits.
- Choreographer Judy Trammell said she’s thrilled Netflix is finally showing “what we do the rest of the year.”
- They even get etiquette coaching to prepare for events with military leaders and dignitaries.
Post-cheer life stays active too:
- Retired cheerleaders are welcomed into The Spirit of DCC, an alumni network.
- Finglass compares it to graduation: “You know the relationships won’t be seen every day, but the bonds stay strong.”
After decades of glamor, hard work, and behind-the-scenes hustle, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are finally seeing the kind of respect, and paycheck, they’ve earned. For many, it’s not just a raise. It’s recognition.
Jamie Wells has a knack for getting the inside scoop on Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. With a sharp eye for industry trends and an ear for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red-carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, TV, and celebrity culture.
