How much do Dancing with the Stars pros make per week? Detailed breakdown
How much do Dancing with the Stars pros make per week? New pros earn about $1,200 weekly, while experienced dancers make about $1,600. Top veterans can earn up to $5,200, with total season earnings reaching $100,000.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Celebrities earn up to $360,000 per season, starting at around $125,000, with bonuses as they advance.
- Pros make $1,200 to $5,200 per week, earning up to $100,000 per season.
- Hosts like Alfonso Ribeiro earn $150,000 per episode.
- Pros don’t get extra prize money for winning.
- The show provides huge exposure. This leads to endorsements, tours, and major media opportunities.
How much do Dancing with the Stars pros make per week?
The filming of Dancing with the Stars is no part-time gig; it’s reportedly a full-blown, seven-day-a-week commitment. And if you’re curious about what the pros take home per episode, it's worth every dollar.
Newcomers earn around $1,200 weekly, while more seasoned professionals earn $1,600. That’s a strong incentive to stick around as long as possible in the competition. On the other hand, long-time fan favourites are rumoured to make a whopping $5,200.
However, they must stay in the game each week to keep collecting. The maximum a pro can make over an entire season is around $100,000. However, it’s important to note that DWTS hasn’t officially confirmed these numbers; they’re based on industry speculation and insider reports.
How much do DWTS pros make?
Contestants on DWTS reportedly start the season with a base paycheck of about $125,000. It covers their debut performances, weeks of intense rehearsals (roughly 20 hours a week), and live shows.
As the competition heats up, so do the earnings. Those who survive the first eliminations see their pay rise every few weeks. Pros who make it to weeks three and four can earn an extra $10,000 per week, while week five boosts their income by $15,000. Stick around for weeks six and seven, and that’s $20,000 more per week, and for weeks eight and nine, it climbs to $30,000 per week.
What does the winner of Dancing with the Stars win?
The biggest payday comes for those who waltz into the semifinal and finale. Finalists reportedly pocket a $50,000 bonus, and the champion walks away with the Mirrorball Trophy. A celebrity who makes it all the way could make over $360,000. However, some reports suggest DWTS may cap the total payout at $295,000 per contestant.
Alfonso Ribeiro salary per episode
Alfonso Ribeiro is best known for playing Carlton Banks on the TV sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. He won DWTS Season 19 and was appointed the show's co-host in Season 31 alongside Julianne Hough. Ribeiro reportedly earns $150,000 per episode for hosting the show. With approximately 10 to 12 episodes per season, he earns around $1.5 million per season.

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Does Dancing with the Stars pay well?
Dancing with the Stars pays quite well, especially by reality TV standards. However, earnings vary depending on the role (celebrity, professional dancer, or host) and how long someone stays on the show.
FAQs about Dancing with the Stars
- What is the prize for Dancing with the Stars? Dancing with the Stars doesn’t have a cash prize for winners. They only take home the Mirrorball trophy and the "winners" title.
- How much do Dancing with the Stars judges get paid? Dancing with the Stars judges get paid about $1.2 million per season.
- How are Dancing with the Stars winners chosen? Dancing with the Stars chooses winners by pairing celebrities with professional dancers who compete weekly. Each duo performs for both judges’ scores and audience votes. The pair with the lowest combined total is eliminated, and this continues until only the top-scoring couple remains and wins the competition.
- How many weeks is Dancing with the Stars? Dancing with the Stars is an 11-week competition.
- Do DWTS pros get paid per episode? Yes, DWTS pros get paid per episode.
- Who is the oldest person to win Dancing with the Stars? Donny Osmond is the oldest celebrity to win Dancing with the Stars. He won it at 51 years old.
- Is Dancing with the Stars predetermined? Yes, Dancing with the Stars is predetermined. How? Each couple performs predetermined dances and competes against the others for judges' points and audience votes.
Final word
How much do Dancing with the Stars pros make per week? DWTS pros earn anywhere from $1,200 to $5,200 per week, depending on their experience and popularity. While there’s no prize money, their weekly pay and the potential to earn over $100,000 per season make the show financially rewarding.
Tuko.co.ke has published an article about DJs' earnings per hour or show. DJs earn different amounts depending on their experience, location, and the type of event they’re playing. So, how much do DJs make per hour or show? Read this article for details.
Source: TUKO.co.ke