Dancing With The Stars 2025 Salaries: Contestants, Pros & Judges Earnings Breakdown
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Dancing With The Stars 2025 Cast Fees Revealed: Contestants, Pros & Judges Salaries
The ballroom is ready to shine again as Dancing With The Stars returns for Season 34 on September 16, 2025, marking the show’s 20th anniversary. With 14 new celebrities, including Olympic gold medalist Jordan Chiles and social media star Alix Earle, fans are buzzing. But behind the glitter and drama lies one big question—how much do DWTS contestants, pros, and judges actually make?
How much do DWTS contestants earn?
Celebrity contestants sign some of the most well-known contracts in reality TV. According to Variety:
Flat $125,000 for rehearsals + first two weeks
$10,000 per episode (weeks 3–4)
$20,000 per episode (weeks 5–6)
$30,000 per episode (weeks 7–8)
$50,000 per episode (final weeks)
That can total up to around $295,000 per season, with additional finale bonuses. However, the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy doesn’t come with a million-dollar prize—just bragging rights and a shiny keepsake.
Pro dancer Jenna Johnson, who won Season 33 with Joey Graziadei, explained:
“If you make it all the way to the end, you’re getting paid the whole season, plus a bonus. But winning doesn’t mean you split a million dollars—it’s just a cute trophy.”
How much do the pros earn?
Professional dancers earn far less than their celebrity partners:
New pros: around $1,200 per episode
Experienced pros: up to $5,000 per episode
Former champion Lindsay Arnold revealed that moving from pro to troupe dancer cut her paycheck “by more than half,” showing the sharp pay differences. Still, the exposure and steady work are big draws for pros.
Judges & hosts salaries
Judges and hosts are the top earners. While 2025 figures aren’t disclosed:
Ex-host Tom Bergeron made about $150,000 per episode (around $1.5M+ per season).
Judges’ salaries remain confidential, but insiders confirm they’re very lucrative contracts.
In 2025, Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro return as hosts, with judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough continuing their roles.
What to expect in DWTS Season 34?
The 2025 cast features stars like Baron Davis, Corey Feldman, Danielle Fishel, Scott Hoying, Elaine Hendrix, Robert Irwin, Lauren Jauregui, and more. Fans will also see Jan Ravnik, known as a backup dancer from Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, debut as a new pro.
Dancing With The Stars Season 34 premieres live on ABC and Disney+, with next-day streaming available on Hulu.
