I’m sure all of us have had the pleasure of watching an NFL cheerleading squad perform at some point in our lives. But how much do they actually make? Well, I’m here to share with my personal experience.
I used to be an NFL cheerleader myself, and the pay I received was what’s considered normal for the industry. On average, an NFL cheerleader makes about $50 per hour, with some very successful teams offering up to $100 per hour. Now, this might not seem like much money to some people, but it was more than enough to cover my living expenses, plus a little extra to go on the occasional trip.
Sure, I had to dedicate a considerable amount of time and energy to the team, but it was definitely worth it. Hi-energy workouts, being part of a competitive team, and travelling around the country performing – these were all things money just couldn’t buy.
But when the season drew to a close, the unemployment kicked in. That was something I never anticipated – that the money flow would dry up and suddenly I’d have to live on a much thinner budget. With no paid overtime, it felt like a huge disappointment. Not to mention the fact that I had to go a good few weeks without any paychecks.
However, I was lucky enough to find another job which worked around my NFL cheerleading commitments. Fortunately, the pay was enough to cover my living expenses, and some to go on the occasional holiday. I wasn’t a millionaire, but I was happier.
So, how much do NFL cheerleaders make? The answer isn’t very straightforward, as it really depends on how successful the team is. But obviously, you have to dedicate plenty of time and energy in order to be successful – and that’s when the rewards come in. I know I have no regrets for the time I spent on the team and the memories it gave me.