Dancing With the Stars Salary Revealed: How Much Celebrities Really Earn Per Episode

Celebrity contestants on ABC’s hit show “Dancing With the Stars” receive significant paychecks. New details have emerged about their exact weekly earnings. The figures come from industry reports and past contestants.

This payment structure shows how the show values star power. It also highlights a major incentive for celebrities to join the competition.

Base Pay and Performance Bonuses Detailed

According to a 2019 report from Variety, stars earn a $125,000 base salary. This covers the initial rehearsal period and the first two weeks of competition. The payment increases if they avoid elimination.

Sources told Variety that a star could max out at $295,000 for a full season run. However, one winner claimed to have earned far more. This suggests deals can vary based on the celebrity’s fame.

Radio host Bobby Bones won Season 27 in 2018. He provided a detailed breakdown on a podcast. Bones stated the pay escalates with each episode survived.

Contestant Claims Higher Final Payout

Bobby Bones described a tiered payment system. He said the first episode paid nothing. The second episode paid $10,000.

Payments then increased incrementally. He claimed it eventually reached $50,000 per episode for later stages. Combined with his base salary, his total earnings approached $400,000.

ABC has never officially confirmed these numbers. The network typically keeps contract details private. This makes firsthand accounts from contestants valuable.

The financial incentive is clear. Lasting longer in the competition directly boosts a star’s earnings. This pay structure rewards popularity and dancing skill.

The disclosed “Dancing With the Stars” salary offers a rare look behind the glittering curtain. It confirms that for celebrities, the show is both a career challenge and a lucrative gig.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the base pay for Dancing With the Stars celebrities?

Reports indicate a standard base salary of $125,000. This covers rehearsals and the initial live shows. The figure was reported by industry publication Variety.

How much more can a winner make?

One winner stated they earned close to $400,000. This includes the base fee and escalating weekly bonuses. The final amount depends on how many episodes they complete.

Do all celebrities get paid the same amount?

No, pay likely varies based on a star’s fame and negotiating power. More well-known contestants may command higher base fees. The tiered weekly bonus structure is standard.

Why are the salary details not official?

ABC and the producers do not publicly disclose contract terms. This is standard practice in reality television. Figures come from insider reports and contestant interviews.

Is the salary a major reason celebrities join?

While the challenge and exposure are key factors, the substantial paycheck is a significant incentive. It compensates for the intense time commitment and physical demands of the show.