NFL cheerleaders have been integral to the game since the early 1960s. They are an essential part of the game-day experience, providing entertainment and adding to the overall atmosphere of the stadium. However, there has been a lot of controversy surrounding how much they are paid for their hard work. In this article, we will explore the topic of how much NFL cheerleaders get paid.
The Basics of NFL Cheerleading
Before we dive into the topic of how much NFL cheerleaders get paid, let’s first understand what they do. NFL cheerleaders are responsible for performing choreographed routines during the game, supporting the team, and engaging with the fans. They also participate in various community events and charity functions.
The Pay Structure of NFL Cheerleaders
The pay structure for NFL cheerleaders varies from team to team. Generally, they are paid per game or per event. Some teams also provide a salary for rehearsals and appearances outside game day. According to various sources, the average salary for an NFL cheerleader is around $100 per game.
Game Day Pay
As mentioned earlier, game day pay is the primary source of income for NFL cheerleaders. The amount of money they earn depends on the team they are associated with. Some teams pay their cheerleaders hourly, while others pay a flat fee per game. NFL cheerleaders earn average from $50 to $200 per game.
Rehearsal Pay
Apart from game day pay, NFL cheerleaders also earn money for rehearsals. The amount they earn depends on the team and the number of trials they attend. Some teams pay their cheerleaders hourly, while others pay a flat fee for the entire season. NFL cheerleaders earn around $10 to $20 per hour for rehearsals.
Appearance Pay
NFL cheerleaders are also paid for appearances outside of the game day. These appearances can include community events, charity functions, and promotional events. The amount they earn depends on the type of event and the team they are associated with. NFL cheerleaders earn around $50 to $100 per appearance.
Uniforms and Travel Expenses
Apart from the pay, NFL cheerleaders also receive uniforms and travel expenses. The team generally covers these expenses. However, some teams may require their cheerleaders to pay for their uniforms or travel expenses. NFL cheerleaders spend around $500 to $1000 on uniforms and travel expenses per season.
Benefits
NFL cheerleaders are not considered full-time employees of the team. Hence, they do not receive any benefits such as health insurance or retirement plans. However, some teams provide their cheerleaders with other perks such as free gym memberships, game tickets, and merchandise discounts.
Controversies Surrounding NFL Cheerleader Pay
Over the years, there have been various controversies surrounding the pay of NFL cheerleaders. Some cheerleaders have claimed that they are paid less than the minimum wage for their hard work. This has led to several lawsuits against teams, which have resulted in settlements worth millions of dollars.
Minimum Wage Lawsuits
In recent years, several lawsuits have been filed against NFL teams for paying their cheerleaders less than the minimum wage. In 2021, the Oakland Raiders settled a lawsuit for $1.25 million, which their cheerleaders filed. In 2022, the New Orleans Saints settled a
similar lawsuit for $338,000. These lawsuits have brought attention to the issue of fair pay for NFL cheerleaders.
Response from NFL Teams
In response to the lawsuits, some NFL teams have increased the pay of their cheerleaders. For example, the Los Angeles Rams increased the pay of their cheerleaders to $12.5 per hour in 2018. The Seattle Seahawks also increased the pay of their cheerleaders to $15 per hour in 2019. However, not all teams have made changes to their pay structure.
Arguments for and Against Higher Pay for NFL Cheerleaders
There are arguments for and against higher pay for NFL cheerleaders. Supporters of higher pay argue that cheerleading is a skilled profession that requires talent, dedication, and hard work. They also argue that cheerleaders add value to the game-day experience and should be compensated accordingly.
Opponents of higher pay argue that cheerleading is a part-time job and should not be paid as a full-time profession. They also argue that cheerleaders receive other benefits such as exposure and opportunities for future careers.
The Future of NFL Cheerleader Pay
The issue of NFL cheerleader pay is likely to remain a topic of debate in the future. As the cost of living continues to rise, cheerleaders may demand higher pay to support themselves. Additionally, as more lawsuits are filed against teams, more attention will be brought to the issue of fair pay.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the pay of NFL cheerleaders varies from team to team, with an average of $100 per game. They also earn money for rehearsals and appearances outside of the game day. However, controversies surrounding their pay have led to several lawsuits and debates on fair pay. It remains to be seen how the pay structure for NFL cheerleaders will evolve in the future.