Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Reveals Shocking Salary Parity with Fast Food Employee

Entertainment | June 23, 2024, 10:54 a.m.

In Netflix's docuseries "America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders," it's revealed that most cheerleaders on the squad hold second jobs due to their low salaries. Despite practicing for hours daily, they typically earn around $150 per game, totaling an average of $22,500 annually—far below the federal minimum wage. In comparison, NFL water boys make $53,000 yearly, and mascots make $25,000 per season. The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders are among the highest-paid squads, earning up to $500 per game, totaling around $75,000 annually. Historically, NFL cheerleaders have faced low wages, leading to lawsuits for better pay and improved working conditions. While the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders embrace their role for the love of dance and team spirit, issues of wage theft, discrimination, and harassment have plagued the industry.