So, let's talk about celebrities and "Dancing With the Stars" (DWTS). Here's the thing: they don't exactly walk away with millions just for winning the show. The prize? A shiny Mirror Ball trophy and the bragging rights that come with surviving the grueling competition. But here's the kicker—they can still make some serious cash, especially the further they progress in the show.
The Pay Structure: Breaking It Down
In 2019, Variety dropped some interesting numbers. According to their report, DWTS contestants rake in $125,000 just for the pre-show rehearsal period and the first two weeks of competition. That’s a pretty solid chunk of change right out of the gate. But it doesn't stop there. As the stars stick around longer, they earn pay bumps, with sources suggesting that the maximum a contestant can earn is a cool $295,000.
Changing Times, Changing Payouts
It seems like the payout for winners has taken a bit of a dip over the years, likely due to the show's ratings decline. Back in 2010, Gawker reported that stars were paid on a sliding scale. The baseline was the same—$125,000 for being cast and appearing in the first two weeks. But here's where it gets interesting: if a celeb managed to stick around until the third episode, they'd snag a $10,000 bonus. And if they survived until the fourth episode? Another $10,000. Episodes five and six each earned them an extra $20,000, while episodes seven and eight handed out a hefty $30,000 each.
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And let's not forget the final stretch. If a star made it all the way to the last episode and became one of the final three competitors, they'd pocket another $50,000. That means, whether they won or not, they'd walk away with $360,000. Not bad for a little dancing, right? Plus, they get the added bonus of a killer physique from all that exercise!
More Than Just Money
But the financial rewards don't stop at the show. Stars often see a reinvigorated following or even build a new one. With the larger following they gain on social media platforms like Instagram, they can leverage their audience into even bigger paydays through sponsored posts or partnerships with brands. It's a win-win situation!
What About the Pros?
Now, let's not forget about the professional dancers. They're the ones doing the heavy lifting, teaching these celebs how to move like pros. In the early days of DWTS, the dancers were earning around $1,600 per episode. But times have changed, and now they can earn up to $5,200 per episode. Reel Rundown reports that the average professional dancer's salary for a full season, including all those hours of grueling practice, is close to $100,000. And the more popular dancers? They can negotiate for even higher pay.
Big Bucks for the Judges and Hosts
And then there are the judges and hosts. According to Reel Rundown, judges Len Goodman and Carrie Ann Inaba are rumored to make around $1.2 million per season. Not too shabby. As for the hosts, well, former cohosts Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews were reportedly making $150,000 per episode until they were replaced in 2020 by supermodel Tyra Banks. While Tyra's exact salary remains a mystery, she scored an executive producer credit when she joined the show, in addition to her hosting duties. She's definitely doing well for herself.
It's no wonder celebs are lining up to get on the show. Not only does it seem like a blast, but it also comes with a hefty paycheck. And hey, if they ever make a spin-off called "Dancing With the Average American," I'd be the first in line to sign up!
