How Much Money Do DWTS Pros Make?

If you’ve ever watched Dancing with the Stars (aka DWTS) and thought, “Wow, those pros must be making a ton of money,” you’re not alone. These dancers work their butts off, choreographing routines, training celebrities, and performing live in front of millions of viewers. But just how much moolah do they rake in for all that hard work? Whether they’re seasoned veterans or fresh faces on the dance floor, the paychecks can vary a lot. Let's break it all down and take a closer look at the dollars behind the dance moves.

For dancers just joining the cast of DWTS, the paychecks might not seem as extravagant as you’d think—for Hollywood, at least. New pros start out making about $1,600 per episode. With a season usually running about 10 episodes, that adds up to $16,000 per season. While that’s definitely not chump change, keep in mind these dancers work grueling hours. Between teaching their celeb partners, rehearsing for group numbers, and performing live each week, their earnings come with a lot of sweat.

When a dancer sticks around for a while and builds a solid reputation on DWTS, they can negotiate for higher pay. Experienced pros reportedly earn up to $5,000 per episode. For a 10-episode season, that’s a total of $50,000. Not bad for doing what you love, right?

These are the pros you’ve probably been rooting for for years. Think familiar faces like Val Chmerkovskiy or Cheryl Burke. Along with their performances on the show, they often land sponsorship deals, tour opportunities, and more, making their time on DWTS just the tip of the iceberg.

Peta Murgatroyd — $1.5 Million

Peta Murgatroyd — $1.5 Million

Peta Murgatroyd is one of the most captivating pros to grace the DWTS stage. Joining the show in Season 13, Peta quickly proved she wasn’t just a backup dancer but a frontrunner. She won her first Mirror Ball Trophy in Season 14 alongside NFL star Donald Driver and went on to win again in Season 22 with Nyle DiMarco, a model and activist who is deaf.

Peta’s $1.5 million net worth may not be the highest on this list, but she’s carved out a unique niche for herself in the dance world. She often collaborates with her husband, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, on live tours, including their wildly successful fusion of passion and technique in “Maks & Val Live.” Behind the scenes, Peta is heavily involved in body positivity and wellness advocacy, often sharing her fitness routines and personal insights on social media. 

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Sasha Farber — $2 Million

Sasha Farber — $2 Million

Sasha Farber has been bringing personality and pizzazz to DWTS since joining the troupe in Season 13 and becoming a full-time pro by Season 17. Known for his playful and high-energy routines, Sasha’s best moments are when he channels his creativity to match his partner's style. While he hasn’t yet won a Mirror Ball Trophy, he’s made it to the finals, proving that his talent and passion are undeniable.

Building an estimated net worth of $2 million, Sasha’s success on DWTS is just one part of his career. Outside the show, he’s toured extensively with other DWTS pros, headlining sold-out live performances across the country.  Plus, his romantic on-camera proposal to fellow pro Emma Slater melted hearts everywhere. The two have since worked together on various dance-related projects, proving that love and business can go hand in hand. 

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Allison Holker — $2 Million

Allison Holker — $2 Million

Allison Holker blends contemporary dance with ballroom accuracy in a way that’s uniquely her own. Though she joined DWTS in Season 19, she was already a well-established dancer thanks to her time on So You Think You Can Dance. Allison’s innovative choreography and dynamic presence quickly earned her a strong fan base on DWTS, even if she didn’t take home a Mirror Ball Trophy.

With an estimated net worth of $2 million, Allison’s career goes way beyond DWTS. She’s performed in movies like High School Musical and danced for major stars like Demi Lovato. Allison’s creativity and versatility have made her a sought-after talent in the entertainment industry. She’s also a passionate advocate for family, often partnering with her late husband, Stephen “tWitch” Boss, in viral dance collaborations and campaigns that showcased their love and shared artistry.

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Cheryl Burke — $3 Million

Cheryl Burke — $3 Million

When you think of DWTS legends, Cheryl Burke is probably one of the first names to come to mind. Joining in Season 2, Cheryl became the first female pro to win, and she did it back-to-back. With over two decades in ballroom dancing, she’s a seasoned pro who brings experience and personality to the show.

Cheryl’s estimated $3 million net worth isn’t just from dance, though. She’s hosted podcasts, written a book, and even designed her own fashion line, showing that she’s as versatile off the dance floor as she is on it. Cheryl has also been open about her personal struggles, using her platform to advocate for mental health awareness.

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Mark Ballas — $4 Million

Mark Ballas — $4 Million

Mark Ballas is known for sometimes edgy routines, but they won him two Mirror Ball Trophies during his time on the show. Even when he wasn’t winning, his choreography always stood out, making him one of the most memorable pros. Outside of DWTS, Mark has a serious passion for music. He’s part of the duo Alexander Jean with his wife, BC Jean, and together they’ve released chart-topping EPs.

His music career, combined with an acting gig on Broadway in Jersey Boys, has added to his estimated $4 million net worth. His ability to juggle music, dance, and acting makes him a triple threat in the entertainment world.

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Artem Chigvintsev — $6 Million

Artem Chigvintsev — $6 Million

Artem Chigvintsev’s dance career is the stuff of dreams! Hailing from Russia, Artem got his start in ballroom competitions before making his way onto DWTS in Season 19. While he didn’t take home the Mirror Ball Trophy that season, his skills and personality quickly won over fans. Eventually, he claimed his first win in Season 29 with The Bachelorette star Kaitlyn Bristowe as his partner.

Artem’s estimated $6 million net worth reflects his hard work in and out of the DWTS ballroom. Beyond the show, he has toured extensively, appeared as a troupe dancer on Strictly Come Dancing in the U.K., and even performed on Broadway as part of Burn the Floor. Artem’s success extends to his personal life, too. He is married to reality TV star Nikki Bella, and their combined celebrity status has led to collaborations, endorsements, and appearances that further build his fortune.

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Val Chmerkovskiy — $7 Million

Val Chmerkovskiy — $7 Million

Val Chmerkovskiy is known for his smooth dance moves and a charm level that could probably melt ice. He joined DWTS in Season 13 and quickly became one of its most beloved personalities. Over the years, he’s racked up two Mirror Ball Trophies and danced with many high-profile partners, cementing his place as a fan favorite.

Val co-founded the dance tour “Maks & Val Live” with his brother Maksim, delighting fans across the country with live performances. These tours, combined with DWTS earnings and endorsement deals, have helped Val build a net worth of $7 million. He’s also an author, having published his memoir I’ll Never Change My Name, which dives into his family’s immigrant story and his rise to fame.

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Derek Hough — $8 Million

Derek Hough — $8 Million

Julianne’s big brother Derek Hough is a household name thanks to his DWTS success. With a mind-blowing six Mirror Ball Trophies under his belt, he’s the most-winningest pro on the show. Derek brought his signature mix of charisma and creativity to every performance, often setting new benchmarks for what ballroom could look like.

But his career didn’t stop when he stepped off the dance floor. Derek branched out into acting, guest-starring on shows like Nashville and joining the cast of Hairspray Live!. The guy clearly loves a well-rounded resume. He’s also toured extensively with his own dance productions and collaborated with A-listers like Jennifer Lopez.

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Maksim Chmerkovskiy — $8 Million

Maksim Chmerkovskiy — $8 Million

The older Chmerkovskiy brother, Maksim, has a strong personality balanced out by hisd slick dance moves. Maks has been a part of DWTS since its early seasons, winning the Mirror Ball once but making it to the finals multiple times.

Outside the ballroom, Maks has explored acting and runs a dance studio empire with his family, which has contributed to his $8 million net worth. Alongside his wife, Peta Murgatroyd, Maks has become a staple in the dance world, from live tours to business ventures.

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Julianne Hough — $10 Million

Julianne Hough — $10 Million

Julianne Hough snagged two Mirror Ball Trophies early on, proving she was one to watch. But dancing is just one piece of her talent pie. Julianne quickly moved beyond the ballroom, starring in movies like Footloose and Safe Haven and even launching her country music career.

Her versatility and non-stop hustle have paid off. Her estimated $10 million net worth comes not just from DWTS but also from films, music, and endorsement deals with brands like Proactiv and Lord & Taylor. 

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