Summary
- After leaving Dancing with the Stars, Cheryl Burke may not have the same lucrative opportunities for professional dancing.
- Burke was able to enjoy a steady paycheck from the show that is uncommon for professional ballroom dancers.
- Despite saying goodbye to her Dancing with the Stars salary, Cheryl Burke's net worth is estimated at $3 million.
Cheryl Burke had dropped subtle hints for some months that retirement from professional dancing was something on the horizon. This decision was not taken lightly given that Burke had been a part of Dancing with the Stars since its inception (even as some fans have turned away from the series).
Once the announcement was officially made and this chapter of Burke's professional dancing career came to a close, it did not mean that dancing opportunities were gone for Burke. But whether those dancing opportunities would be as lucrative as the nearly-past two decades were for the competitive dancer is questionable.
Since the age of 21, Burke had been able to rely on a steady paycheck from her time on the hit reality TV ABC and Disney+ show. Something that is unheard of for professional ballroom dancers to achieve. Though there were a few seasons where the Seasons Two and Three champion was absent, those departures were of Burke's choosing.
After her departure from Dancing with the Stars, Burke held the title of longest-running female dancer on the show. A tenure that no other female dancer is likely to achieve, not to mention a salary that is unlikely to be rivaled by another female dancer given how long dancers remain on Dancing with the Stars today.
Here is the salary that Cheryl Burke is leaving behind on Dancing With The Stars.
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Updated April 2024: Since leaving "Dancing with the Stars" in 2022, Cheryl Burke has not returned to the show in any capacity. This includes for the show that was a tribute to Len Goodman after he passed away from cancer in April 2023. A lot of that has to do with Burke's new podcast, "Sex, Lies, & Spray Tans" which discusses all things "Dancing with the Stars." This is both the good and the bad, and the things that happen behind the scenes. While Burke may never return to the ABC show, she certainly earned a good deal of money during her tenure there.
How Much Did Cheryl Burke Make Per Episode Of DWTS?
Cheryl Burke made up to $100,000 per season on Dancing with the Stars
When Burke decided to sign on to become a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars, the paycheck was not nearly as lucrative as it has grown to become today. But being one of the longest-running pros, not to mention one of the most popular, paid off in spades for the competitive dancer.
As the first season of Dancing with the Stars got underway, the professional dancers were promised a paycheck of $1,600 per episode. This is a figure that would not likely be agreed to by professional dancers today.
With 26 seasons under her belt, however, that number has increased dramatically. So much so that Burke is estimated to have made $5,200 per episode. A paycheck that "might be a low figure" given the success and notoriety Burke has received from being on the show.
This figure may seem like an amount that professional dancers cannot live off of. But, there are two seasons of the show per year filmed. And with the veterans making "close to $100,000" per season, $200,000 per year from the show alone to do something that the dancers love to do is not too shabby.
That is a salary that Burke said goodbye to permanently upon her departure from Dancing with the Stars as a dancer.
What Is Cheryl Burke's Net Worth?
Cheryl Burke's net worth is $3 million
Though Burke is likely one of the highest-paid dancers on Dancing with the Stars, that is not the only place that she has made her small fortune. The fortune has allowed her to weather the storm through a tumultuous marriage and divorce and come out the other side financially secure.
As a result of professional dancing, being a paid sponsor for products, and becoming a professional podcaster, Burke's net worth is estimated to be nearly $3 million. This comes with a reported $40,000 per month paycheck. A paycheck that has allowed Burke to purchase homes in "Los Angeles, New York, and a few other places."
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While the paycheck may no longer be coming in from Dancing with the Stars, it appears that Burke has done well with her finances over the years and will continue to do well with her future endeavors as well.
All of these things will only help to build Burke's net worth for years to come.
Why Cheryl Burke Left Dancing With The Stars
Cheryl Burke left Dancing with the Stars to pursue other career options
After such a successful career on Dancing with the Stars, making the decision to walk away did not come easily for Burke. But with the desire to be "challenged in new ways" and evolve beyond being defined as a professional dancer, the competitive dancing show alum will continue to have her hands full.
Even if it is not dancing that is Burke's full-time gig any longer. In her Instagram post, very few specifics were given as to why the two-time Mirror Ball trophy winner was making the choice to have Season 31 be her final season. But with a desire to focus on her podcasting career and her role as a mental health advocate, Burke called the decision to exit "the right one."
There was also a tease that Burke will not be completely stepping out of the spotlight. Something she explained in her Instagram post, saying, "I do have a few things up my sleeves though, so don’t worry." That means this is not the last fans of Burke and Dancing with the Stars have seen of the star.
What Cheryl Burke Wants To Do With Her Future
Cheryl Burke is using her time on Dancing with the Stars as the blueprint for her podcast, Sex, Lies, & Spray Tans
Outside of podcasting and being a mental health advocate, there is speculation that Burke could come back as a judge on Dancing with the Stars. This comes as long-time judge, Len Goodman passed away from cancer in April 2023. However, when Burke was not asked to come back for the tribute show for Goodman, judging may be a far reach at this point.
Along with her vast dancing experience, Burke also has a judging license, however. Meaning that there is enough experience there to hold the coveted position on the show. However, given the tidbits that Burke has shared on her podcast, Sex, Lies, & Spray Tans, executives may not be excited to have Burke back in any capacity.
While leaving Dancing with the Stars means a consistent paycheck is ending for Burke, the future appears to be bright for the dancing pro. What that future will hold and whether dancing will be a part of it will surely be revealed in the not-too-distant future.
