The ballroom is about to light up again as Dancing with the Stars returns for Season 34 on September 16, 2025. The milestone season marks the show’s 20th anniversary and already promises glitter, drama, and the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
With a set of 14 fresh contestants from Olympic gold medalist, Jordan Chiles to social media sensation, Alix Earle, fans can’t stop discussing the new set of celebrities set to compete on the coveted dance floor. But behind the dazzling performances, there’s a question, How much do DWTS contestants, pros, and judges really earn?
How much do Dancing with the Stars contestants make?
Dancing with the Stars makes celebrity contestants sign some of the most talked-about contracts in reality TV. According to Variety, they earn a flat USD 125,000 for rehearsals and their first two weeks on the show. If they last longer, the paychecks increase. Earlier, the contestants used to get USD 10,000 per episode for weeks three and four and USD 20,000 per episode for weeks five and six.
It increased to a massive USD 30,000 for weeks seven and eight, and an impressive USD 50,000 for the final weeks. While earlier calculations showed a possible USD 345,000 payday, reports suggest the maximum cap is around USD 295,000 per season. Contestants who make it to the finale also receive bonuses. However, the trophy doesn’t come with a million-dollar prize. However, the specifics for the upcoming season in 2025 may differ. When pro dancer Jenna Johnson took home the season 33 title with her partner Joey Graziadei, she opened up about her earnings and said:
“I think there are different contracts, so I can’t speak for everybody. But if you make it all the way to the end, you’re getting paid the whole season, which is amazing. And you get a bonus on top of that for making it to the finale,” she said during a 2025 episode of “The Morning After” podcast. “If you win, it’s not like you win a million dollars and split it with your partner. You’re just getting a cute trophy together.”
How much do the pros make?
The professional dancers are the backbone of the show. But they don’t earn quite as much as a celebrity. New pros reportedly start at USD 1,200 per episode, while seasoned pros take home closer to USD 5,000 per episode based on their experience and popularity. Former champion, Lindsay Arnold, revealed on a podcast that when she was bumped to troupe dancer, her paycheck was cut ‘by more than half.’ It highlights the sharp difference in pay across roles. Still, for pros who stick with the franchise, they get a steady platform, consistent income, and good exposure.
What are the fees for judges and hosts on Dancing with the Stars?
The celebrity judges and hosts have higher earnings than the Pros. While 2025 figures aren’t confirmed, longtime host Tom Bergeron was reportedly paid USD 150,000 per episode. It falls somewhere between USD 1.5 and USD 1.8 million per season. The Hosts who came after him are likely to earn similar numbers. Judges’ salaries vary, but their contracts are known to be impressive, especially for those who have stuck with the show. Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro will return as the hosts in 2025. Meanwhile, the judges will be Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough.
What more can to expect in Dancing with the Stars Season 34?
Dancing with the Stars 2025 will be the 34th Season of the hit dance reality show. It will be one of the most exciting seasons. The cast includes Jordan Chiles, Baron Davis, Corey Feldman, Danielle Fishel, Scott Hoying, Elaine Hendrix, Robert Irwin, Lauren Jauregui, among others. Moreover, fans will also see Jan Ravnik, a backup dancer for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, make his DWTS debut as a pro. Dancing with the Stars 2025 will air live on ABC and Disney+. The episodes will be available the next day on Hulu.
Are you excited to watch Dancing with the Stars 2025? Let us know.
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