Entering the world of modeling means stepping into a tough but fancy job. These models not only capture hearts with their stunning looks but also rake in massive paychecks It’s a place where regular people can become famous icons. The best models get paid a lot for just one photoshoot, and they also become famous.
Let’s take a look into the lives of the world’s 10 highest-paid models. From people like Kendal Jenner to Gigi Hadid, these women have become well-known in the fashion world because they worked hard. These models are famous for their beautiful photos and ads for big companies. They’ve become really important in the world of fashion.
World’s 10 Highest-Paid Models
Let’s check out the list of the world’s Top 10 highest-paid models – a proof of how beauty and intelligence can go hand in hand.
Who is the Highest-Paid Model? – Kendal Jenner
Kendall Jenner is the highest-paid model in the fashion world. For many years, she has earned more money than any other model. In 2023, she made around $40 million, which is a huge amount of money. This shows how much power she has in the fashion industry.
- Earnings: According to Forbes, Kendall Jenner earned an estimated $40 million in 2023.
- Reign: She has held the title of the highest-paid model for several years, having overtaken Gisele Bündchen in 2017.
- Sources of Income: Her income comes from a variety of sources beyond runway shows, including:
- Brand endorsements: She is the face of several major brands like Estée Lauder and Calvin Klein.
- Social media presence: With millions of followers, her social media influence is valuable for brands.
- Her business ventures: She co-founded a tequila brand called 818 Tequila.
Top 10 Highest-Paid Models in the World
This Table consists of the highest-paid models, revealing exactly who earns the most each year along with their estimated earnings. We’ll also see some interesting facts, like their Models’ Heights and Ages. From brand endorsements to social media fame, you’ll discover the many ways these models build their empires.
| Model Name | Age | Height (cm) | Height (ft) | Nationality | Net Worth |
| Kendall Jenner | 28 | 178 | 5’10” | American | $40 million |
| Gisele Bündchen | 43 | 180 | 5’11” | Brazilian | $33 million |
| Karlie Kloss | 31 | 185 | 6’1″ | American | $40 million |
| Adriana Lima | 42 | 178 | 5’10” | Brazilian | $30 million |
| Gigi Hadid | 28 | 178 | 5’10” | American | $20 million |
| Bella Hadid | 27 | 175 | 5’9″ | American | $19 million |
| Naomi Campbell | 53 | 177 | 5’10” | British | $70 million |
| Doutzen Kroes | 39 | 178 | 5’10” | Dutch | $32 million |
| Liu Wen | 36 | 178 | 5’10” | Chinese | $19 million |
| Chrissy Teigen | 38 | 175 | 5’9″ | American | $39 million |
Get ready to know how much money these Top models make. We will see a world where looking good means big bucks. Let’s see how highest paid models make all that cash and what it’s like living the high life at the top of the fashion world.
1. Kendall Jenner
From being famous on reality TV to becoming a global supermodel, Kendall Jenner has smoothly become one of the highest-paid models around. People love her because of her stunning looks and huge following on social media. She’s not just a regular model; she’s become a big name in fashion. Jenner doesn’t just walk the runway
Kendall Jenner
- Net Worth: $40 million
- Nationality: American
- Age: 28 years
Major Recognitions:
- Named the world’s highest-paid model by Forbes in 2018.
- Won Teen Choice Award for Choice Female Hottie in 2019.
- Named the “Fashion Icon of the Decade” at the REVOLVE Awards in 2018.
Sources Of Income:
- Modeling: Runway shows, campaigns (Estée Lauder, Calvin Klein)
- Social Media: Brand partnerships on Instagram and other platforms
- Business Ventures: Co-founder of 818 Tequila brand
- Television Appearances: Keeping Up With The Kardashians (past), The Kardashians (Hulu) (potential)
- Other (potential): Public appearances, guest hosting gigs
Kendall Jenner also gets paid a lot for it and partners with big brands. In today’s world, social media is a big deal for models, and Jenner knows how to use it well. That’s why she’s seen as a modern fashion icon and one of the highest earners in the industry
2. Gisele Bündchen
Gisele Bündchen, the Brazilian supermodel, has consistently been at the top of the highest-paid models list for many years. She’s famous for her captivating presence on runways and for teaming up with big brands, making a lot more money than other models, as estimates suggest. While her stunning looks initially got her noticed, her lasting impact comes from both mesmerizing audiences and managing the business side of her career really well.
Gisele Bundchen
- Net Worth: $33 million
- Nationality: Brazil
- Age: 43 years
Major Recognitions:
- Awarded the Fashion Icon award at the 2019 People’s Choice Awards.
- Received the Fashion Icon Award at the 2019 Green Carpet Fashion Awards.
Sources Of Income:
- Modeling Contracts: She signs important contracts with famous fashion brands and magazines.
- Endorsements: Gisele gets paid a lot to promote products for companies like Pantene, Chanel, and Victoria’s Secret.
- Business Ventures: Most of her money now comes from her own businesses, like her skincare and underwear brands.
- Author: She wrote a successful book called ‘My Path to a Meaningful Life,’ which many people bought and made it a bestseller.
She wows everyone with her charm and talent in iconic fashion shows, grabbing all the attention. Gisele Bündchen has achieved incredible success by seamlessly combining major runway gigs with super profitable brand deals. This has firmly established her as a trailblazer and enduring symbol in the ever-changing world of fashion.
By gracefully handling both the glamorous and business sides of the industry, she’s not only secured her financial success but also set herself up as a role model for longevity and success in the competitive modeling world.
3. Karlie Kloss
Karlie Kloss is a big name in both fashion and technology. Not only is she amazing on the runway, but she’s also a smart businesswoman. She works with really important companies, showing off her modeling talent and making a lot of money. What sets Karlie Kloss apart is her commitment to empowering the next generation, as evidenced by her coding programs for young girls.
Karlie Kloss
- Net Worth: $40 million
- Nationality: American
- Age: 31 years
Major Recognitions:
- Named one of the “100 Most Influential People” by Time magazine in 2016.
- Won the “Model of the Year” award at the British Fashion Awards in 2013.
- Inducted into the International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame in 2019.
Sources Of Income:
- Modeling: Walking for brands like Dior and Versace, and campaigns with Adidas and Swarovski.
- Business Ventures: Founding Kode With Klossy and investing in startups.
- Social Media: Partnering with brands and sponsored content on platforms like Instagram.
- Television: Hosting Project Runway in 2019.
Karlie Kloss is changing the modeling world by promoting diversity and creativity. This makes her one of the top models, not just because she looks great, but also because she’s different. She’s not only about posing for pictures; she’s also a businesswoman and speaks up for important causes. Karlie Kloss shows that being a model is more than just looking pretty. She’s an inspiration for those who want to make a difference in the fashion industry.
4. Adriana Lima
Adriana Lima became a supermodel because of her close relationship with Victoria’s Secret. This connection has made her a top earner in the modeling world. People love her because she looks amazing and is very impressive on the runway. Her fame goes way beyond just Victoria’s Secret.
Adriana Lima
- Net Worth: $30 million
- Nationality: Brazil
- Age: 42 years
Major Recognitions:
- Named the longest-running Victoria’s Secret Angel.
- Listed on Forbes’ list of highest-paid models from 2014 to 2017.
- Won the Supermodel of Brazil competition at the age of 15.
Sources Of Income:
- Modeling: Contracts with Victoria’s Secret and high-fashion campaigns.
- Brand Partnerships: Long-term deals with brands like Maybelline and Vogue EyeWear.
- Other: Income from public appearances and guest hosting.
Adriana Lima is a very popular name in the fashion world. She has worked with many top fashion and beauty brands. Lima’s success comes from her talent and her ability to switch from modeling lingerie to high fashion smoothly. She has been successful for a long time because of this. Her career as a global supermodel shows that she can demand high fees and stay famous in the fashion world. This proves she can do well in this competitive industry by adjusting and doing her best.
5. Gigi Hadid
Gigi Hadid might not have been around as long as some other models, but she’s already become one of the highest-paid models globally. She’s climbed the ladder fast, all because of her special appearance and knack for looking great in any outfit. That’s why designers and brands love her so much. Gigi’s skill at fitting into various fashion styles makes her perfect for modeling gigs, landing her big contracts that prove just how much of an impact she has.
Gigi Hadid
- Net Worth: $20 million
- Nationality: American
- Age: 28 years
Major Recognitions:
- Won the International Model of the Year award at the 2016 British Fashion Awards.
- Named one of the “50 highest-paid models” by Forbes in 2018.
- Won the “Model of the Year” award at the 2015 Daily Front Row Fashion Los Angeles Awards.
Sources Of Income:
Modeling
- Runway Shows: Gigi walks for Chanel, Versace, and other top brands, earning top fees per show.
- Campaigns: Being the face of Maybelline and Tommy Hilfiger brings in significant income from advertisements.
Social Media
- Brand Partnerships: Gigi’s large following on platforms like Instagram makes her valuable for sponsored posts.
Business Ventures
- Guest Designer Collaborations: Collaborations with brands like Tommy Hilfiger could involve a share of sales or a design fee.
Whether she’s walking confidently on fancy runways or appearing in big advertisements, Gigi Hadid’s charm goes beyond what’s expected in modeling. In a world where having lots of experience usually matters a lot, Gigi Hadid’s quick rise to the top shows that a model with special talents and flexibility can become very successful very fast. This has made her one of the highest-paid models in the world, securing her spot among the best.
6. Bella Hadid
In the glamorous world of modeling, Bella Hadid, following closely behind her famous sister, has carved out her own place among the ranks of the highest-paid models. With her unique beauty, Bella has become well-known in fashion. She’s done big projects and appeared in many runway shows and ads, solidifying her position among the highest-paid models. Her earnings show how much people want her style in the fashion world. Bella’s journey isn’t just about being related to someone famous; it shows how she’s talented and can impress the industry with her charm.
Bella Hadid
- Net Worth: $19 million
- Nationality: American
- Age: 27 years
Major Recognitions
- Named “Model of the Year” at the 2016 GQ Men of the Year Awards.
- Ranked as one of the “Top 50 Models” by Models.com.
- Won the “Model of the Year: Women” award at the 2016 Daily Front Row Fashion Los Angeles Awards.
Sources Of Income
Modeling
- Runway: Regular at Chanel and Versace, earning significant income.
- Campaigns: Face of Dior Beauty and Fendi, earning substantial fees.
Social Media
- Partnerships: With 55M+ Instagram followers, valuable for brands, earning $30K – $80K per post
Bella continues to shine at major fashion events and collaborate with top brands, showing how a model can create her own unique style and make a lasting impression in an industry that loves fresh talent. While she may not hold the title of the highest-paid model right now, her success speaks for itself.
7. Naomi Campbell
Naomi Campbell is a timeless icon of elegance in the modeling world. She’s been in the industry for a long time and is respected globally. Her success isn’t just about her beauty; it’s also because she’s incredibly skilled and can handle various situations with ease.
Naomi Campbell – World’s 10 Highest-Paid Models
- Net Worth: $70 million
- Nationality: British
- Age: 53
Major Recognitions
- Recognized as one of the six models of her generation declared supermodels by the fashion industry.
- Named one of the “25 Most Influential Names in Fashion” by Time magazine in 2019.
- Awarded the Fashion Icon award at the 2018 CFDA Awards.
Sources Of Income
- Modeling: Starting at 15, she’s walked for top designers, a significant source of income.
- Acting and Music: Expanding into acting and music, contributing to her earnings.
- Endorsements: Backing numerous high-profile brands boosts her wealth.
- Business Ventures: Entrepreneurial activities include releasing an R&B pop album and authoring books like “Swan” and “Naomi Campbell.”
- Fragrance Line: Launched 25 fragrances for women in collaboration with Cosmopolitan Cosmetics.
Naomi Campbell is one of the world’s highest-paid models because she’s super famous. She’s made loads of money over the years by strutting down runways, getting big endorsements, and setting trends in fashion.
Even though the fashion world changes fast, Naomi Campbell proves that real grace and talent are always in fashion.
8. Doutzen Kroes
Doutzen Kroes, the famous Dutch model, is well-known for her confident walks on the runway and is always listed among the world’s top-paid models. What sets her apart isn’t just her beautiful appearance but also the many contracts she’s signed with major fashion companies and popular beauty brands.
Doutzen Kroes
- Net Worth: $32 million
- Nationality: Dutch
- Age: 39 years
Major Recognitions
- Ranked among the “New Supers” by Models.com.
- Named one of the “25 Sexiest Models” by Models.com.
- Featured on the cover of multiple international editions of Vogue.
Sources Of Income
Modeling
- Victoria’s Secret (former Angel), Valentino, Blumarine, H&M, Emilio Pucci ,Tiffany & Co. (potential, based on past editorial appearances)
- Social Media: (difficult to pinpoint specific brands due to the nature of social media partnerships)
- Beauty and lifestyle brands could be a good fit based on her social media content.
Brand Ambassadorship:
- L’Oréal Paris (since 2011), Hunkemöller (Dutch lingerie brand, she has designed capsule collections for them)
Doutzen Kroes’ success isn’t surprising because she’s really good at both walking on runways and doing popular beauty advertisements. She can do a lot of different things well, which makes a lot of people like her. She’s famous in many countries, which helps her make a lot of money. Kroes is not like other models; she’s really good at walking on runways and getting deals with big companies, which makes her one of the highest-paid models.
9. Liu Wen
Liu Wen, a famous Chinese model, has made a big impression and proved that the fashion industry welcomes various styles. She created history by being the first Asian model to walk in a Victoria’s Secret fashion show. This was significant because fashion shows usually only showcased one particular type of appearance.
Liu Wen
- Net Worth: $19 million
- Nationality: Chinese
- Age: 36 years
Major Recognitions
- First East Asian model to walk the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
- Named one of the “New Supers” by Models.com.
- Ranked among the “World’s Most Powerful Women” by Forbes in 2013.
Sources Of Income
Modeling
- High-profile contracts: With luxury brands like Dior, Chanel, and Valentino.
Endorsements
- Faces of Estée Lauder and Maybelline, with potential for L’Oreal and Lancôme partnerships.
Social Media
- Brand Partnerships: Collaborations with Shiseido, YSL Beauty, and others on Weibo.
Wen’s success reaches way beyond just walking on runways. She’s also become one of the world’s highest-paid models, known for her big-money deals that show off her influence and charm. Her work on major projects and partnerships doesn’t just reflect her own success, but also how the fashion world is starting to welcome diversity.
Liu Wen stands as a symbol of change, showing how the fashion industry is gradually acknowledging and celebrating various voices and faces. This is paving the way for a future where models and fashion enthusiasts from all backgrounds feel included and valued.
10. Chrissy Teigen
Chrissy Teigen, a woman of many talents in modeling, writing, and television, has skillfully used her abilities to become one of the highest-paid models. She’s not just about walking on runways; her friendly personality and smart use of social media have turned her into a brand all on her own.
Chrissy Teigen – World’s 10 Highest-Paid Models
Net Worth: $39 million
Nationality: American
Age: 38 years
Major Recognitions:
- Co-hosted the television show “Lip Sync Battle.”
- Authored the best-selling cookbook “Cravings.”
- Received the Glamour Award for “Woman of the Year” in 2018.
Sources Of Income:
- Modeling: Contracts with fashion brands and magazine appearances.
- Cookbooks: Bestselling author of “Cravings” series.
- Television: Host and judge on shows like “Lip Sync Battle.”
- Endorsements: Partnerships with various brands.
- Social Media: Income from sponsored content on platforms like Instagram and Twitter.
Teigen isn’t just a model; she’s also an author and a TV star, effortlessly moving between these different worlds to build a career that goes beyond just posing for pictures. Her charm doesn’t just shine on magazine covers and fancy runways but also online, where her social media presence adds to her influence. In an industry where being versatile is really important, Chrissy Teigen shows how a model can break the mold, creating a space where her talents and likability redefine what success means in today’s world.
Conclusion
Top-earning models worldwide do more than just feature on renowned magazine covers and popular fashion shows. They inspire future models across the globe. More than their compelling physical traits, these models have proven that a mix of business understanding, flexibility, and building a powerful personal brand is essential for success in fashion.
It’s not just about taking photos and doing catwalks. It’s about mastering the complex business side of brand partnerships, collaborations, and creating a unique image that appeals to a global market. As we applaud the achievements of these models, we also recognize the evolving environment influencing fashion trends. Well being known as World’s Highest-Paid Model isn’t just about being famous. It’s also about being really good at both being creative and knowing how to do business well.
Top 10 Highest Paid Models in the World in 2024 – FAQs
Who is the richest supermodel ever?
Highest paid or most money made per year (Gisele Bündchen). Richest ever = total wealth including business ventures (possibly Kathy Ireland).
Who is the highest paid vs model ever?
The title of world’s highest-paid model goes to Gisele Bündchen. While there isn’t a single definitive source for modeling income, she consistently ranks at the top across various resources.
What are the highest-paying modeling jobs?
Top modeling bucks come from freelance gigs, senior experience, commercials, brand deals, and even being a hand model.
Who is the highest paid male model?
The title of world’s highest-paid male model belongs to Sean O’Pry. He’s estimated to earn around $1.5 million annually.
How do models become so rich?
Models accrue wealth through high-paying gigs, endorsements, and personal branding, including fashion shows, brand deals, social media influence, and entrepreneurial ventures. Some diversify income through acting or investments like real estate, ensuring long-term financial security.