Super Bowl Cheerleader Pay: A Detailed Look at Seahawks and Patriots Earnings
The glamour and spectacle of the Super Bowl often overshadow the financial realities for the cheerleaders who perform on its grand stage. As the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots prepare for Super Bowl LX, an in-depth analysis reveals that their cheerleading squads earn surprisingly modest wages, with hourly rates and game-day fees that reflect the part-time nature of their roles.
Hourly Wage Structures for Seahawks and Patriots Cheerleaders
The Seattle Seahawks Dancers are compensated at an hourly rate that typically ranges from $20.76 to $24.00 (approximately £15.30 to £17.70) for the 2025–2026 season. This pay scale is designed to meet Washington state's minimum wage requirements while also accounting for the high cost of living in the Seattle metropolitan area. On the East Coast, the New England Patriots cheerleaders generally earn between $15 and $20 per hour (around £11 to £16) for their time spent at rehearsals and promotional events. This hourly model represents a significant shift from the flat-fee stipends that were once common, as NFL teams have adapted to comply with evolving employment laws and regulations.
Game-Day Fees and Super Bowl Compensation
For the Super Bowl itself, cheerleaders from both the Seahawks and Patriots usually receive a game-day fee ranging from $150 to $500 (about £110 to £370), which is paid in addition to their standard hourly wages. Despite the immense prestige and global audience of the Super Bowl, this performance fee rarely sees a substantial increase compared to fees for regular-season home games. The event, while the highlight of the NFL calendar, does not translate into a major financial windfall for the cheerleaders involved.
Mandatory Rehearsals and Training Commitments
Both squads are required to attend a minimum of two to three mandatory rehearsals each week, with these sessions often lasting four hours or more. These rehearsals are paid at the cheerleaders' standard hourly rates and form the core of their consistent seasonal income. The rigorous training schedules ensure that the squads are prepared for game-day performances, but they also highlight the significant time investment required for what remains a part-time occupation.
Promotional Appearances and Additional Earnings
Beyond their duties on the sidelines, cheerleaders have opportunities to earn extra income through corporate and public appearances. These engagements typically offer higher hourly rates, often between $50 and $75 (approximately £37 to £55). In the lead-up to a major event like the Super Bowl, the frequency of these promotional opportunities increases, though they are frequently allocated based on seniority and veteran status within the squad, potentially limiting access for newer members.
Total Annual Earnings and Lack of Benefits
When considering the part-time hours and seasonal nature of the role, most members of the Seahawks and Patriots cheerleading squads earn an annual salary between $5,000 and $22,500 (roughly £3,690 to £16,600). Unlike the multi-million-dollar contracts of NFL players, these cheerleaders do not typically receive health insurance, performance bonuses for championship wins, or other major benefits. The financial compensation remains modest, underscoring the disparity between the visibility of their roles and their economic rewards.
This detailed breakdown provides a clearer picture of the financial landscape for NFL cheerleaders, revealing that while the Super Bowl offers unparalleled exposure, it does not necessarily equate to substantial earnings for the dedicated performers who help bring the event to life.
