Celebrities on “Dancing With the Stars” reportedly start at $125,000, based on a 2019 report, though pay may have changed. Bonuses for advancing could bring an 11-week season’s total to a reported $360,000.
A Parade report says contestants who reach weeks 3–4 earn $10,000 per week; the reported bonuses rise to $15,000 in week 5, $20,000 per week in weeks 6–7 and $30,000 per week in weeks 8–9. Reaching the finale brings a reported $50,000 bonus.
Professional dancers’ pay figures were not clearly reported. Jenna Johnson-Chmerkovskiy said on The Morning After podcast in June 2025 that pros have base salaries, contracts vary, and pay depends on how far they advance; reaching the finale brings a bonus. She said a winning pro does not split a million-dollar prize with their celebrity partner.