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.