Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders earn a salary of $75 thousand per annum. Veteran Rachel Wyatt is paid up to 500 dollars a match.
The DCC squad is one of the prominent NFL Cheerleaders known for their precision dancing, dazzling costumes, and high-energy performances.
While they are undoubtedly some of the industry’s most talented and hard-working cheerleaders, many people may not realize how much they are compensated for their efforts.
In fact, the Cowboys cheerleaders’ earnings are often a topic of discussion among fans and critics alike, with some surprised by how much these performers are paid.
Furthermore, the upcoming auditions for the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders are just around the corner. Online registration for auditions will be open from May 1st until May 12th.
Do Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Get Paid?
The cheerleaders get paid for their performances at football games, appearances, and other events. They are normally paid 15 to 20 dollars per hour.
The DCC known as America Sweethearts is a popular cheerleading squad in NFL. Cheerleading is considered part-time, and most of the performers are either students or have full-time jobs.
A user on Quora provided a quick overview of some of the benefits of working as a Cowboys cheerleader, such as Invisalign braces, tanning, beautification, and spa treatments; it was about 19 years ago.
And they made approximately 50 to 60 dollars an hour for corporate, private, and promotional events. However, their official salary was around $150 per game, and they were not compensated for the required practices and rehearsals, which were quite tricky. It’s more of an exposure employment for the experience and reputation that comes with it than for the money.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders For 2023 Season
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders making the team generally airs on the CMT network. The show has been running since 2006.
The DCC audition process is highly competitive and demanding, with only a tiny percentage of candidates making it to the final squad.
However, for those who make it, being a part of the Dallas cheerleaders is considered a prestigious and rewarding experience, with opportunities to perform at NFL games, travel, and represent one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world.
The 2023 DCC auditions will have four stages: first round, second round finals, and training camp. Online applications are accepted from May 2 to May 12, with the training camp closing in mid-July.
Here are the names of some active cheerleaders returning for the 2023 season:
- Gina Ligi – 2017 rookie
- Rachel Wyatt- 2018 rookie
- Erin Sauerhage – 2018 rookie
- Caroline Sundvold – 2018 rookie
- Jessica Bowman – 2020 rookie
- Jada McLean – 2020 rookie
Besides, the list of previous years’ rookies who are most likely to be part of the show group is enumerated below:
- KayDianna Davis
- Amber Laiche
- Ashlinn Maze
- Megan McElaney
- Jensen Merrill
- Tyra Thompson
- Kelee Norris
- Christina Ostovich
- Kleine Powell
- Madeline Salter
- Tori Skillings
- Rebecca Troyak
- Lea Tunnell
Cowboys Salary Compared To Other NFL Cheerleaders
NFL cheerleaders make around $125 per game and a total of $22,500 per season. In comparison, NFL waterboys typically earn $53,000 and mascots earn $25,000.
Some of the highest-paid NFL cheerleading teams include the Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders, the New England Patriots Cheerleaders, and the San Francisco 49ers Gold Rush.
These teams are also believed to pay their cheerleaders significantly more than the average salary for NFL cheerleaders, around $125 per game.
Nonetheless, some NFL cheerleaders earn significantly higher salaries. For instance, the Carolina TopCats earn an annual salary of $75,000.
Amid this, Teri Hatcher was the highest-paid NFL cheerleader who cheered for the San Francisco 49ers in 1984. Teri has a $50 million net worth.
Cheerleaders Lawsuits For Wage Theft
Former DDC cheerleader Erica Wilkins filed a lawsuit against the Cowboys organization claiming lost wages in 2018.
Wilkins argued that cheerleaders were paid less than the team’s mascot, a costumed cowboy, played by a male earning $65,000 annually plus commission.
The performers were compensated with a flat rate for games and appearances, such as calendar signings, and $8 per hour for practices, barely exceeding the minimum wage.
Wilkins further alleged that she worked uncompensated hours, including numerous hours at AT&T Stadium, the $1.2 billion football arena owned by the 2017 NFL Hall Of Fame Inductee Jerry Jones, and was not paid overtime for working more than 40 hours per week.
According to the New York Post, her yearly after-tax earnings were only $4,700. In addition to Wilkins’ case, many NFL cheerleaders have been fighting for fair wages for decades, with some earning as little as $5 per hour.
Multiple lawsuits were filed by these cheerleaders against 10 out of 26 NFL teams for wage theft, discrimination, and unsafe working conditions in 2021. The suits included teams like the New York Jets, the Buffalo Bills, the Cincinnati Bengals, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Tampa Bay cheerleaders’ lawsuit was settled for an estimated $825,000, while the Ben-Gals case was settled for an estimated $255,000.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Outfits
The current uniform design of DCC introduced in 2016 ranks amongst the world’s most iconic and recognizable cheerleading outfits.
The outfit features a white and blue halter top with a star on the front, high-waisted shorts with a white waistband and star accents, and white go-go boots. In addition, the uniform also includes white gloves and a white belt with a silver buckle.
The DCC often wears different uniform versions for various events and performances. For example, they may wear a long-sleeved or jacketed version of the uniform for colder weather or a version with shorts that are slightly longer for specific performances.
The uniform has undergone several changes over the years. For instance, in the 1970s, the uniform featured a fringed white skirt and a full blue shirt with a sleeveless white jacket.
In the 1980s and 1990s, the uniform became more streamlined and featured a two-piece design with shorts and a crop top. In the early 2000s, the uniform incorporated metallic fabrics and rhinestone accents.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Boots
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders wear white go-go boots as part of their uniform. The boots are made of shiny white vinyl material and reach just below the knee.
They are created to be comfortable and supportive enough for the cheerleaders to perform intricate dance routines and stunts while looking chic and polished.
The boots are custom-made for the DCC and are designed to fit each cheerleader’s foot perfectly. Kelli Finglass, the director of DCC has stated that the boots have been altered to accommodate higher kicks and more exuberant dancing.
The boots have been made with a lighter weight and a softer sole to ensure greater ease of movement. The design changes include the removal of the steel shark, making the boots more pliable, and enhancing the pointed toe for an improved look.