Laurie Hernandez Made a Fortune On 'Dancing'!

It really pays to go the distance on "Dancing with the Stars" -- just ask U.S. Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez ... who just made a TON OF CASH on her way to winning the Mirrorball Trophy.

Since Laurie is only 16 ... producers had to get a judge to sign off on the terms of her contract in order for it to be enforceable. And those documents included the entire 'Dancing' pay structure.

Laurie got a cool $125k just for being on the show -- but she got more cash the further she made it.

Surviving to Week 3 and 4 got her $10k per week.

Week 5 paid $15k.

Weeks 6 and 7 paid $20k per week.

Weeks 8 and 9 ... $30k per week.

Weeks 10 and 11 ... $50k per week.

Grand total ... $360,000!!!