How Much Money Do Dancing With the Stars Pros and Winners Really Make?

When Dancing with the Stars makes its return this fall, the spotlight won’t just be on the celebrities competing for glory. Fans know the true backbone of the show has always been the professional dancers.

Season after season, these pros pour their energy, creativity, and discipline into routines that keep the ballroom alive. Without them, there would be no show — the celebrities may bring the headlines, but the pros bring the moves.

For many viewers, watching the pros guide stars with little to no dance background into polished performers is half the fun.

Their ability to teach, choreograph, and perform at a high level under constant pressure is what gives the show its heart. But while the stars often walk away with hefty paychecks, many viewers can’t help but wonder: what about the pros? How much are they earning for all that sweat and sparkle?

The Paycheck Breakdown

According to Us Weekly, newer pros usually start off making around $1,200 per episode, while veterans who’ve been with the show longer can pull in closer to $5,000 per episode. That’s a decent climb — but still nowhere near what the celebrity contestants take home.

Variety reports that stars are guaranteed $125,000 just for the rehearsal period and their first two weeks on the air.

From there, their pay increases week by week depending on how long they remain in the competition. With the potential to earn significantly more by making it to the finale, the disparity between stars and pros is pretty clear.

Outside of the ballroom, many pros boost their income through other avenues. Brand partnerships, influencer deals, live dance tours, and teaching opportunities have become lucrative side hustles for dancers who’ve built strong fan bases.

Thanks to their popularity on the show, many of them have transitioned into careers as public figures and entrepreneurs, proving that the Mirrorball isn’t the only prize to be gained.

What About the Winners?

If you’re imagining the winning duo cashing in a million-dollar prize like on Survivor or Big Brother, think again.

Pro dancer Jenna Johnson revealed on The Morning After podcast that the Mirrorball trophy is more symbolic than financial.

“If you win, it’s not like you get a million dollars,” she shared. “You’re just getting a cute trophy together.”

That said, making it further into the competition does have financial perks. Johnson added:

“Whoever makes it to the finale, you all get paid up until then. And you do get a nice bonus.”

So while the title itself doesn’t come with a massive payday, the longer a pro sticks around, the more rewarding it becomes. The exposure also helps dancers secure bigger opportunities after the season ends, from Broadway roles to international tours.

Where to Watch

Fans can catch the glitz, the drama, and the jaw-dropping routines when Dancing with the Stars premieres September 16. The show airs on ABC and streams live on Disney+.

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