For many years, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders balanced full-time jobs and unpaid overtime while performing with stunning accuracy and legendary discipline. Despite the physical strain and constant practice, their pay was pitiful, comparable to entry-level fast food jobs, even though their coordinated high-kicks dominated NFL broadcasts. When the team received a 400% raise, that reality finally changed, and both fans and proponents of pay equity in the entertainment industry applauded.
The Netflix release of America’s Sweethearts served as a catalyst in recent months, revealing not only the rehearsals and routines but also the financial strain that the pom-poms were under. The show struck a chord with viewers all over the world because it was surprisingly good at depicting both financial and emotional difficulties. The fact that cheerleaders, who are frequently praised as representatives of America’s Team, were only paid $15 per hour for practices and $500 per game astounded many viewers.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Salary Breakdown (2025)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Team | Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) |
| Squad Members | 36 |
| Base Hourly Pay (Pre-Raise) | $15–$20 |
| Game Appearance Fee (2024) | $500 |
| Game Appearance Fee (2025) | Estimated $2,000 |
| Veteran Hourly Pay (Post-Raise) | Up to $75 |
| Annual Estimated Income | Approx. $120,000–$150,000 for veterans with events |
| Health Insurance | Not Provided |
| Leadership Figures | Jada McLean, Megan McElaney, Armani Latimer |
| Media Catalyst | Netflix’s America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders |
Cheerleaders like Jada McLean, who worked multiple jobs to make ends meet while committing to the Cowboys’ demanding schedule, had their voices heard by the show by highlighting the grind. She revealed the stark contrast between her passion for performing and the resulting financial strain in a particularly open moment. Together with Megan McElaney and Armani Latimer, her leadership was a turning point in the team’s history.
The cheerleaders persevered through months of negotiating, navigating corporate hierarchies, and even considering a walkout at one point. They came to an agreement that drastically changed their compensation by working together and taking advantage of Netflix’s widespread publicity. The flat fees were increased. Hourly pay increased. Once meagerly compensated, appearances now brought substantial profits. Once earning $500 for a performance, it could now earn $2,000 instead.
To put it in perspective, this was a value repositioning rather than merely a raise. Professional cheerleaders have opposed the idea that publicity is a kind of compensation for the last ten years. The DCC’s change is in line with a larger entertainment reckoning in which creatives, influencers, and dancers are claiming their right to just compensation.
Notably, there was some tension in the team’s internal dynamics. A few cheerleaders were hesitant. According to veteran Chandi, she appreciated the purity of dancing for love rather than money, even though she was in favor of fair compensation. This duality was depicted in the Netflix series with striking clarity, highlighting the stress of balancing one’s personal passion with one’s professional obligations.
At first, Judy Trammell, the head choreographer, and Kelli Finglass, the DCC’s senior director, seemed dubious about the talks. Their position, which was centered on the cheerleaders’ diverse professional and academic backgrounds, appeared to put appearance before money. But as discussions progressed, their opinions became more nuanced. By the end, both were praising the team’s cohesion and resolve.
Importantly, individual grievances did not lead to this financial revolution. It developed from organized group action. Strategic communication combined with the use of documentary storytelling to increase transparency turned out to be a very effective approach. The DCC didn’t just request a raise; they showed their unwavering commitment and why they were deserving of it.
The system is far from ideal, despite the raise. The lack of team-sponsored healthcare for cheerleaders is especially noticeable given the physically demanding nature of their job. Long-term injuries, like hip damage from repeated jump splits, were openly discussed by former DCC members like Caroline Sundvold, highlighting the importance of medical support.
Nevertheless, the raise provides a starting point for reform. Its structure, which used experience-based pay tiers, was especially creative. Today, veterans earn over $75 per hour. Tenure is reflected in appearance fees. Practice pay has increased significantly, but it is still less than event rates. Even though these changes are long overdue, they are already changing what other teams expect from similar teams.
The DCC has developed a blueprint for change by utilizing greater visibility and coming together as a unified force. NBA dancers, college cheer squads, and even performing arts organizations—where underpayment has long been accepted—may be affected.
The timing of this shift was what made it so resilient. While the cameras were rolling during the 2024 NFL season, negotiations went on in the background. As these athletes stood their ground, viewers watched the uncertainty play out in real time.
By the last episode, the result was obvious: a victory for all performers dealing with comparable undervaluation, not just the 36 women in uniform. Visibly moved, Armani Latimer said she was proud to have helped bring about a change that she might not personally benefit from because she retired soon after the raise was implemented.