It’s widely known that “Dancing With the Stars” celebrities get paid for their performances, and the longer they last in the competition, the higher their salary. However, ahead of season 35, a new report revealed exactly how much the “Stars” are making per episode.
‘DWTS’ Salary
While many stars join the ballroom competition series for a boost in popularity or to promote a new project, a hefty payday doesn’t hurt either.
“Every celebrity who is tapped to be on DWTS is guaranteed $125,000,” according to a source of The U.S. Sun. That first payday is said to be for the participants’ pre-season rehearsals and the first two weeks of competition.
The dancers face elimination for the first time during the second week of competition, so that $125,000 is guaranteed to all celebs. “For those who survive into Weeks 3 and 4, they pocket another $10,000 per week,” the outlet revealed. “Week 5 comes with a $15,000 bonus, while making it through Weeks 6 and 7 adds another $20,000 per week.”
After week seven the competition gets fiercer and the stakes get higher.
Celebrities reportedly earn $30,000 for surviving week 8, and again for week 9. The semifinals and finale, with the Mirrorball trophy in sight, add a large sum to one’s net worth.
Contestants receive $50,000 for the semifinals and again for making it to the finals.
According to the U.S. Sun, the Mirrorball Trophy winner unfortunately does not also take home a “separate financial jackpot.” Bragging rights, however, are included.
“The winner gets the same finale bonus as the other finalists simply for making it to the end,” the outlet added.
According to these figures, finalists earn a whopping $360,000 for their time in the ballroom. However, The U.S. Sun added that teams can potentially negotiate individual salaries and bonuses.
“The figures can vary slightly from celebrity to celebrity because deals can be negotiated, but the basic structure is understood to be consistent across the cast,” the outlet stated. “In addition to their DWTS salary, the celebs can earn even more with social media posts and various Hollywood or business opportunities that arise due to their popularity boost from the series.”
Season 35
After the series’ resurgence during season 34, which saw conservationist and Australia’s sweetheart Robert Irwin and partner Witney Carson walk away as champs, the cast for season 35 is stacking up.
As of publication, a handful of stars have been confirmed.
“Summer House” star Ciara Miller was announced at Disney’s Get Real unscripted TV event in April. “The Traitors USA” breakout star Maura Higgins was also confirmed at the event.
The following month, ABC confirmed that Savannah Bananas standout star Jackson Olson would be joining the season. Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez was later added.
Other stars in the conversation but not yet confirmed include “The Bachelorette” season 15 star Tyler Cameron — who recently announced his engagement — and “Step Up” star Jenna Dewan. “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star Whitney Leavitt, who competed during season 34, may be returning to the ballroom to cheer on her husband, Connor Leavitt. Sarah Jane Nader, whose sister Brooks Nader competed with Gleb Savchenko, is also rumored to be joining the upcoming season.
