The professional dancers on Dancing with the Stars typically start at around $1,200 per episode. Their pay increases with experience and popularity, with seasoned pros earning up to about $5,000 per episode. Over an entire season, this translates to roughly $50,000 to $100,000, with the higher end being the reported cap per season. Unlike the celebrities, pros do not receive a million-dollar prize for winning, but those who make it to the finale receive bonuses and full-season pay. The salaries are considered modest, especially compared to the celebrities, who start at about $125,000 for rehearsals and the first two weeks of competition, with potential to earn up to around $295,000 total depending on how far they advance. In summary:
- New pros start at about $1,200 per episode.
- Experienced pros can earn up to $5,000 per episode.
- Total seasonal earnings for pros can reach around $100,000.
- Pros get paid for the whole season if they make it to the finale, plus a bonus.
- Celebrities earn significantly more, starting at $125,000 plus weekly bonuses.
This pay structure highlights that while pros earn steady income, their pay is considerably less than that of the celebrity contestants despite the demanding work the pros do on the show.
