How much are the Dancing with the Stars dancers and celebrities paid?

Are the celebrities and dancers on Dancing with the Stars paid?

The teams on ABC‘s Dancing with the Stars word extremely hard, training all week! How much (if at all) are they getting paid?

One may believe the celebrity contestants on Dancing with the Stars have it rough. After all, most have little to no previous dancing experience. And while it’s fun to sit back, watch, and judge, let’s be honest — learning to dance is not easy!

However, it’s also not a simple task to teach a celebrity to dance. It’s like teaching an inexperienced cook how to put together a plate from scratch in a matter of days. So how much are they each being paid for their efforts?

Are the Dancing with the Stars contestants paid?

On top of free press (because which star doesn’t love to appear on headlines?), both the professional dancer and celebrity are well taken care of financially.

Variety reports that they’ve gathered from several other sources that contestants make $125,000 for the show’s rehearsal period and first two weeks on the air. Those who advance to Week 3 and beyond, collect additional fees each week.

How much, exactly? The source shares that the max contestants can earn is $295,000. Not bad for additionally receiving free press that can potentially score them a new job! Oh, and don’t forget, accommodations, food, and other fun treats are free.

Needless to say, a spot on Dancing with the Stars is a sweet gig!

Season 29 of Dancing with the Stars premiered on Sept. 14. This season, the celebrity contestants include Catfish host Nev Schulman, Tiger King‘s Carole Baskin, rapper Nelly, actress Skai Jackson, Selling Sunset star Chrishell Stause, and others!

Do you know who would have made an amazing contestant? Khloe Kardashian! Which Keeping Up with the Kardashian star do you believe should join next season?

Which team are you rooting for this season? Watch Dancing with the Stars on ABC.