Salary of NFL Cheerleaders
In the world of professional sports, the spotlight often shines brightest on players and coaches. However, there are other individuals who contribute significantly to the overall experience, such as cheerleaders and referees. Let's take a closer look at the financial aspects of these roles, particularly within the National Football League (NFL).
NFL cheerleaders, who are an integral part of the game-day atmosphere, make, on average, $22,500 per year. This figure might come as a surprise to many, considering the high-profile nature of the job. It's important to note that cheerleaders are not employees of NFL teams but independent contractors, a status that affects their compensation.
In contrast, NFL referees, who make critical decisions during games, earn a significantly higher salary. On average, they receive an annual salary of about $205,000, with the highest paid referees making up to $250,000 per year, including bonuses. These bonuses can range from $30,000 to $50,000 for officiating the Super Bowl.
The path to becoming an NFL cheerleader is highly competitive and demanding. Applicants must meet certain criteria, have previous cheerleading experience, and pass rigorous tryouts. Cheerleaders are expected to commit to an entire season, attend all home games and potential playoff games, participate in weekly practices, and required appearances. They often spend countless hours traveling to games and practicing, often having to be at the stadium five hours ahead of their performance time.
Referees, too, face a competitive selection process. They have duties beyond the games themselves, such as reviewing game footage and scouting teams to prepare for upcoming games. Their compensation reflects their part-time employment status, in contrast to fully salaried players or coaches.
While the NFL had revenue of $18 billion in the 2021/22 season, the revenue was split nearly 50/50 with the players. This revenue distribution, however, does not seem to extend to cheerleaders and lower-level referees in youth or amateur leagues, who earn much less.
In the NFL, cheerleaders do not receive big bonuses for Super Bowl or playoff appearances. However, in recent years, changes have been made to ensure fairer compensation. For instance, following a lawsuit victory for Lacy Thibodeaux-Fields in 2014, Oakland Raiders cheerleaders are now paid for all their work and entitled to overtime, although likely at minimum wage per hour.
In the realm of NFL cheerleading, there are examples of higher earnings. The cheerleaders of the Dallas Cowboys, known as America's Sweethearts, reportedly make $75,000. However, these figures are exceptions rather than the rule.
In conclusion, while NFL cheerleaders and referees play crucial roles in the game-day experience, their compensation varies greatly. Understanding the financial aspects of these roles provides a more comprehensive picture of the NFL ecosystem.
NFL bloggers often discuss the financial disparities within the league, focusing on the salaries of cheerleaders and referees compared to players and coaches. The annual salary of an NFL cheerleader is $22,500, significantly less than the average NFL referee's salary of $205,000. However, the Dallas Cowboys' cheerleaders, known as America's Sweethearts, reportedly make a higher salary of $75,000. This highlights the wage variation among these essential roles in the NFL. Despite the revenue of $18 billion in the 2021/22 season, revenue distribution seems to favor players and coaches more than cheerleaders and lower-level referees in lesser leagues.
