How much does it pay to be a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader?

Netflix has released ‘America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders,’ a documentary showcasing the journey of an NFL cheerleader from the audition process to in-game performances.

The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders known as DCC are among the most popular in the United States and are known for their iconic uniforms and routines.

How much do they get paid?

An NBC Sports Boston article from 2022 said Cowboys cheerleaders earn $15-20 per hour or around $75,000 annually more than triple the average NFL cheerleader salary of $22,500.

Despite that report, Kat, a 2022 DCC alum, said she was making as much as a full-time fast food employee in the documentary.

“I would say, I’m making like a Chick-fil-A worker that works full time,” said Kat.

For reference in Texas, a full-time Chick-fil-A worker makes approximately $32,937 annually according to Zip Recruiter.

Cowboys executive vice president and chief brand officer Charlotte Jones said cheerleaders are in it for more than the pay and defended their low wages.

“There’s a lot of cynicism around pay for NFL cheerleaders—as it should be. They’re not paid a lot. But the facts are, they actually don’t come here for the money. They come here for something that’s actually bigger than that to them,” said Jones “It is about being a part of something bigger than themselves. It is about a sisterhood that they are able to form, about relationships that they have for the rest of their life. They have a chance to feel like they are valued, they are special, and they are making a difference. When the women come here, they find their passion and they find their purpose.”

The entire seven-episode documentary can be watched on Netflix and will soon be joined by a documentary on Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.