Melissa Donovan
With the Super Bowl just around the corner on February 9th, fresh reports have highlighted the stark pay gap between NFL players and cheerleaders. According to insights provided by social media and influencer marketing agency Socially Powerful, Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders will earn an estimated $150 each for their Super Bowl performance—just 2.62% of the average NFL player salary for the biggest night in U.S. sports.
The Financial Disparity in the NFL
The average NFL cheerleader makes approximately $150 per game, amounting to an annual salary of around $22,500. In contrast, the median NFL player earns $860,000 per year, and top-tier athletes like Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce are set to earn an annual salary of $17.1 million in 2025. This means that even the highest-paid cheerleaders make 22,700% less than star players.
Additionally, mascots in the NFL earn an average of $60,000 annually—166.67% more than the average cheerleader salary. Even waterboys, responsible for keeping players hydrated, earn around $53,000 a year—a comparable income to experienced cheerleader captains who require years of expertise and service.
The Cost of Attending the Super Bowl
With the average Super Bowl ticket price soaring to $8,076, a cheerleader would need to work 54 games (more than three full seasons) just to afford a single ticket. By comparison, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott makes $3.5 million per game, or roughly $60 million, while the highest-paid Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders earn just $500 per game.
NFL Cheerleader Salary Breakdown
| Cheerleader Category | Average Earning Per Game ($) | Hourly Pay for Practices or Events ($) | Annual Salary Estimate ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rookie Cheerleaders (First-Year Members) | $100–$200 | $10–$20 | $5,000–$15,000 |
| Veteran Cheerleaders (2+ Years of Experience) | $200–$400 | $15–$30 | $15,000–$30,000 |
| Senior Cheerleaders (4+ Years, Leadership Roles) | $300–$500 | $25–$50 | $30,000–$50,000 |
| Captains and Elite Members | $400–$750 | $30–$75 | $50,000–$75,000 |
A study by NC State University estimates that the Super Bowl generates up to $1.3 billion in revenue. Yet, while players and mascots secure six-figure salaries, cheerleaders remain at the bottom of the pay scale despite their role in enhancing the game-day atmosphere and contributing to team branding.
The Reality for Cheerleaders: Second Jobs and Side Hustles
Given their low salaries, many NFL cheerleaders hold additional jobs. Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader Jamie Gialloreto, for instance, also works in a strategic communications firm. Kansas City Chiefs cheerleaders have been reported working as nurses, teachers, and civil engineers to make ends meet.
However, the rise of social media has provided an alternative income stream. Cheerleaders with strong social media followings on platforms like Instagram and TikTok can secure sponsorships, brand deals, and paid promotions, sometimes earning six-figure sponsorships annually.
Conclusion
As the Super Bowl approaches, the conversation around NFL cheerleader pay continues to gain traction. While they remain a staple of game-day entertainment, their salaries lag far behind other roles within the league. With growing attention on social media and beyond, calls for fairer pay may become harder for the NFL to ignore in the coming seasons.
Source: https://sociallypowerful.com/
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