As the anticipation builds for another season of Dancing With the Stars, fans are not only eager to see their favorite celebrities take to the dance floor but also curious about the financial rewards that accompany their participation. The show has garnered significant attention not just for its entertainment value but also for the earnings on offer to its contestants.
Compensation Structure for Contestants
According to a 2019 report by Variety, contestants on Dancing With the Stars start with a base payment of $125,000, which covers the rehearsal period and the first two weeks of the competition. Beyond this initial phase, participants continue to earn increasing amounts each week based on their performance and progression in the show. At that time, sources indicated that the maximum potential earnings for a contestant could reach up to $295,000.
Bobby Bones’ Experience
However, former contestant Bobby Bones suggested that his earnings exceeded those publicized figures after winning Season 27 alongside Sharna Burgess in 2018. In a September 2025 episode of Jason Tartick‘s podcast, Trading Secrets, Bones revealed the structure of payments he received. “That show pays OK,” he noted. “Like, first episode, no money. Second episode, $10,000. I think it’s like, $10,000, $10,000, $20,000, $20,000. It ends up being $50,000 an episode if you last.”
High Earnings Potential
He elaborated on his total earnings, stating that he received a base salary of around $110,000, leading him to make close to $400,000 in total from his time on the show. This remarkable figure highlights the financial considerations that can accompany the glitz and glamour of television performances.
It’s important to note that ABC has not publicly confirmed any of these figures, leaving some room for speculation regarding the actual pay structure of Dancing With the Stars.
