This is how much the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders earn after 400% raise in 2025

Last summer, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders became even more famous than they already were with the first season of Netflix’s docu-series surrounding the iconic squad. The first season of “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders” brought attention to several darker themes behind the bright white smiles and dance routines.

One of the hottest topics was the fact that the DCC members were grossly underpaid. Most of them work at least one other job - some two, three, even four other jobs - to make ends meet. The show, which debuted its second season on Wednesday, focuses on the intense schedule and workout regimen the cheerleaders have to adhere to, all while maintaining the image of a perfect, put-together woman.

Considering how hard they work and the near-impossible standards, it shocked and upset many people to know they were just expected to be content with the “honor” of being a part of the DCC.

Tears, cheers, and a 400% raise for the DCC

The shockingly low wages the cheerleaders were receiving were as low as $15 an hour and $500 per appearance. In season two, several DCC members including team leader Jada McLean helped lead an effort to increase the salaries for the cheerleaders in the future.

At the beginning of the season, McLean talks about the struggles they face due to not earning a livable wage. She even opens up about receiving an eviction notice at one point after falling behind on her rent while she was unable to keep up with the financial demands in the offseason.

“Yes, we should still do something outside of just cheering, but there’s so many ways to make this something that people can actually live off of,” said McLean in the show.

“This is a multi-billion-dollar company and it’s the number one sports franchise in the industry, so it kind of does not translate,” added veteran Megan McElaney.

The girls banded together to meet with HR and legal officials. We don’t see those meetings in the series, but they speak about them, with one of the girls saying they even considered a walkout at one point. It didn’t come to that, but their efforts paid off, as DCC director Kelli Finglass announced at the end of the season that they would be receiving a pay raise...and a big one at that.

How much money do the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders make now?

After a strong push for fairer compensation, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders secured a long-overdue 400% pay raise. Under the new structure, veterans could now earn over $75 per hour, though benefits like health insurance are still not included.

In season one of “America’s Sweethearts”, some veterans revealed that they were earning an average annual salary equivalent to a Chick-fil-A worker, which would equate to about $37,947. If that figure is accurate, then their 400% salary increase will bring that number up to roughly $151,000.

“I love the fact that I made change for the girls that are coming up behind me, even if I’m not getting a chance to benefit,” said retiring cheerleader Armani Latimer.

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