How much does an NFL cheerleader earn?

An NFL cheerleader is a person who performs dance routines and cheers at NFL games, community events, and other public appearances. They are in charge of entertaining spectators, marketing the franchise they cheer for, and representing the NFL brand. An NFL cheerleader's particular responsibilities vary depending on the club, but they include: pre-game introductions, halftime entertainment, and post-game festivities at home games alongside participating in community activities and charitable functions.

The first team to hire a cheerleading squad was the Baltimore Colts in 1954. However out of the 32 NFL teams, eight franchises do not have a cheerleading squad. They include the Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, New York Jets, Los Angeles Chargers, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. According to Pro Football Network's report, cheerleaders work 40 hours a week during the NFL season.

NFL cheerleader’s salary

The typical NFL cheerleader wage is $150 each game day and $50–75 per appearance. This averages $22,500 per year. However, the leader of the cheerleading group does make more money leading up to $75,000 per year. However, NFL cheerleader wages do vary from team to team as franchises like the Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, and Philadelphia Eagles typically pay around $15-$20 per hour, which leads to $500 per game (via Pro Football Network).

Unlike waterboys who are signed to contracts, cheerleaders are independent contractors and it is not a full-time position. Due to them not being full-time employers, cheerleaders can also cheer for another sports team in different league during the NFL offseason (via Pro Football Network).