Cheryl Burke has been dropping subtle hints for some months now that retirement from professional dancing was something on the horizon. This decision was not taken lightly given that Burke has been a part of Dancing with the Stars since its inception (even as some fans have turned away from the series).

Now that the announcement has been officially made and this chapter of Burke's professional dancing career is coming to a close, it does not mean that there are no dancing opportunities for Burke in the future. But whether those dancing opportunities are as lucrative as the nearly past two decades were for the competitive dancer remains to be seen.

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Since the age of 21, Burke has 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 that the Seasons Two and Three champion was absent, those departures were of Burke's choosing. Giving her the title of being the longest-running female dancer on Dancing with the Stars. A tenure that no other female dancer is likely to achieve on the show. And a salary that is unlikely to be rivaled by another female dancer as well.

Here is the salary that Cheryl Burke is leaving behind on Dancing With The Stars.

How Much Does Cheryl Burke Make Per Episode Of DWTS?

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, has paid off in spades monetarily 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 likely would not be agreed to by professional dancers today.

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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 will be saying goodbye to as she permanently departs Dancing with the Stars as a dancer.

What Is Cheryl Burke's Net Worth?

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 $4 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 Is Leaving Dancing With The Stars

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

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 also announced his retirement from the show at the end of this season. A job that could be a perfect fit for Burke.

Along with her vast dancing experience, Burke also has a judging license. Meaning that there is enough experience there to hold the coveted position on the show. Whether network executives and producers of the show feel that a permanent fourth judge is necessary, remains to be seen.

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.