Dancing with the Stars: Who Makes the Big Bucks?

Dancing with the Stars is a popular show. It pays its stars well. But how much exactly? The show doesn't share exact numbers. But some info has leaked out. Contestants get paid a lot. They earn $125, 000 just for rehearsing. That's before the show even starts. Once on air, they get more cash. The longer they stay, the more they make. For example, one star said they earned $400, 000. But not all stars make that much. The max reported is $295, 000. The pros, who dance with the stars, also earn good money. They start at $1, 200 per week. But if they last longer, they can make up to $5, 000 per week. That adds up to $50, 000 to $75, 000 per season. The troupe dancers, who don't dance with stars, make half of that. That's not enough to live comfortably in LA. The show's hosts also earn big. One host made $150, 000 per episode. That's about $1 million per season. But not all stars make that much. Some stars say the show is not just about the money. It's about the opportunities that come after.