The Average NBA Cheerleader Salary in 2022 is $48,338 Per Year. The annual salary given to NBA Cheerleader is as high as $133,000 and as low as $17,500. This huge difference is due to the experience gained by the senior workers.
Read: NBA Commissioner Salary
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NBA Cheerleader Salary 2022:
| EXPERIENCE | ANNUAL SALARY |
|---|---|
| Less than 2 years | $17,500 |
| More than 2 years | $50,000 |
| More than 5 years | $133,000 |
Learn More: NBA Coach Salary
Americans have a lot of love for basketball, but some of them understand the importance of the NBA cheerleaders, they are not only the face of the game but have a huge responsibility for them. They have to keep the fans entertained, and always be there to cheer for their teams. This process goes throughout the game as well as the whole season. Cheerleaders are energetic and full of life. The job itself is tough and requires someone who loves to perform and dance.
As the audience of the NBA has grown over time, so did the demand of the cheerleaders and dancers. But, this profession isn’t for everyone as it requires performing stunts that aren’t meant for faint-hearted. Plus, they have to keep the audience hooked up with their moves and stunts.
The NBA cheerleaders salary is comparatively low than other professions as women take it as a side job. But, still, it comes with a lot of perks. With that being said, how much do you know about them, and how much does an NBA cheerleader make in a year?
What is the NBA Cheerleader Salary in Cities of the United States?
| City | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Sunnyvale, CA | $57,706 |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $57,172 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $55,884 |
| Williston, ND | $54,758 |
| Manhattan, NY | $54,614 |
| Barnstable Town, MA | $54,191 |
| Cambridge, MA | $54,091 |
| San Mateo, CA | $53,677 |
| Arlington, VA | $53,634 |
| Dickinson, ND | $53,305 |
Read More: NBA Referee Salary
How to Become an NBA Cheerleader?
Applicants for the NBA cheerleader position have an inborn talent or experience of entertaining the fans with flawless dance routines and energetic cheers. They have the energy to pump up the crowd and make the fans even more excited to watch a game. The backflips, motions, jumps, and handstands you see have days and weeks of preparation and rehearsals behind them. Without practice, these complex dance moves will not be perfect. So, having an athletic body with such skills will help in becoming a good dancer eventually increasing the chance of having a good NBA cheerleader salary.
Apart from appearing in every game, cheerleaders also perform at charity events and other functions for better marketing of their team. Not only they should have good dance skills but public speaking is a plus point for their role as well. Having a bachelor’s degree is good but a dance background is necessary as it is the requirement of the profession. If you have an experience of being a cheerleader or have actively taken dance classes throughout your life, then the audition will be easy for you.
However, if you are passionate about being an NBA cheerleader and haven’t taken any lessons, you can practice some famous stunts required on the court. There are some teams in the NBA that offer prep classes for their cheerleaders, which helps to polish their skills and understand a team’s needs accurately. Additionally, having a fitness routine is necessary because as a cheerleader, you have to work out and rehearse daily.
How Much Do NBA Cheerleaders Make In a Year?
The NBA cheerleader’s salary depends upon how many games they appear for and how many hours they practice. These variables play a role in an NBA cheerleader’s pay. As NBA is a national league, they might earn more in one state as compared to the other one.
Nevertheless, the NBA cheerleader salary can go as low as $15,000 and as high as $35,000 a year. According to ESPN in 2017 the hourly wage for NBA cheerleaders was $14.58. However, an NBA cheerleader’s salary includes a stipend for each game. They also get paid for practice sessions. Along with that special events and bonuses also add up in their annual salary. According to previous data, the NBA cheerleaders were paid $30 for each practice session. Some teams don’t pay the cheerleaders for international appearances but for those who do, their cheerleaders get $50 – $100 per event.
If the NBA cheerleaders are lucky enough to get selected for the NBA All-Star game they get an additional bonus on their paycheck. If there is and if there is a 7 game series they get a bonus for the play-off as well which can range between $700 – $2000. Not to forget, that these cheerleaders get to travel free of cost, including their hotel and per diem for food. Free parking and free guest tickets for friends and family to each NBA game are also some perks of being an NBA cheerleader.
Who are the Highest Paid NBA Cheerleaders in 2020?
The NBA cheerleader salary doesn’t only depend on the skills of the individual, but also the reputation of the team as well. As of 2020, the New York Knicks Cheerleaders are the highest paid with an annual salary of $35,000. The Atlanta Hawks cheerleaders’ salary is the same as well. Both of the teams are then followed by the cheerleader’s salary of LA Lakers and Boston Celtics. The Miami heat cheerleaders earn up to $28,000 annually. While the Clippers dancer’s salary is $22,000 annually. In 2020 the least annual salary was of the Phoenix Suns Cheerleaders i.e $15,000.
Check out: NBA Waterboy Salary
Final Thoughts
There have been many scandals concerning the salaries of the NBA cheerleaders as their pay is considered pretty low. This is mostly, true when teams hire the cheerleaders without paying them for practices and rehearsals. Their magnetic presence and extensive practices throughout the day deserve to be paid. However, most of the teams who add bonuses to their paycheck and pay them for practice sessions can make a decent amount annually.
FAQS
Is NBA cheerleader a full time job?
No, it is not a full-time job, many NBA cheerleaders have a second job in addition to their dancing obligations in order to stay on top of things.
How much do a NFL cheerleader make?
On average, NFL cheerleaders make between $15 and $20 per hour. Each match earns you $500. Earning a yearly total of $75,000 is possible.
How do you become an NBA cheerleader?
You must be at least 21 years old to try out for a NBA dance squad: There are no height or weight restrictions, however you must be 21 to audition for a NBA dance crew. Maintain good health and fitness.
