Fashion

These Are the Highest-Paid Models in the World

From newcomers to retired runway veterans, here are the world's highest-paid models.

highest paid models: Kendall Jenner for Calvin Klein
Kendall Jenner for Calvin Klein. Photo courtesy of Instagram/@kendalljenner.

Being a model has become one of the most sought-after jobs in history, especially now. Runway models have evolved into some of the top earners in both the fashion industry and entertainment. Kendall Jenner was declared the highest-paid model in 2017, and she still holds that top spot. Here is a list of the rest of fashion's highest-paid models in the world. Bella Hadid, who, in addition to being named the most beautiful woman in the world, also cinches a top spot on the highest-paid models list. Right up there with her are some of the '90s and '00s runway supermodels like Adriana Lima and Cara Delevigne.

See what other most beautiful women in the world round out the highly-coveted spots as the highest-paid models in the world.

Kaia Gerber - $5 Million

Among the It girls of the new generation of models to have cropped up in recent years, Kaia Gerber, daughter of legendary model Cindy Crawford, has already created a massive presence in the industry at just 22 years old. At 16, Gerber made her runway debut during a Calvin Klein show, and in recent years, has stunned while walking for labels like Prada, Miu Miu, Chanel, Fendi, and Saint Laurent, among others. 

kaia gerber in  black minin dress and red heels
Ashley Graham - $10 Million

As one of the foremost plus-size models in the industry, Ashley Graham has paved the way for further body inclusivity and diversity when it comes to the runways. The American model has walked in countless runway shows, ranging from Michael Kors to Dolce & Gabbana, and has also become a frequent face in the front rows of prominent presentations and red carpet events alike. 

Ashley Graham wears floor-length black gown
Jasmine Tookes - $10 Million

As a former Victoria's Secret Angel, Jasmine Tookes has dominated the catwalk in recent years, with especially buzzy runway appearances and red carpet style moments alike. In 2023, the model welcomed a child with her husband David Borrero, and has slowed down her runway career as she enjoys time with her family. 

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Liu Wen - $18 Million

Chinese model Liu Wen was one of the first Asian models to dominate the fashion industry. In 2016, the New York Times declared Wen to be "China's first bona fide supermodel." Since her debut, the model has walked for some of the top names in fashion like Jean Paul Gaultier, Tom Ford, and Chanel.

Liu Wen in a green dress
Joan Smalls - $19 Million

Joan Smalls was known as the first Latina model to represent Estée Lauder. Since then, this most beautiful woman in the world has had a top spot amongst the highest-paid models. Along with walking in some of the biggest runway shows, Smalls has even made some large music video cameos in her career. In 2013, the Puerto Rican model appeared next to Beyoncé in her video for the song "Yoncé."

Joan Smalls, highest-paid model.
Bella Hadid - $25 Million

The Hadid sisters have taken over the fashion industry. Bella Hadid has become the ultimate It girl. With her sleek runway walk and effortlessly chic street style, Hadid has become one of the top models to watch. 

A model in a black tank top and pencil skirt.
Irina Shayk - $25 Million

Chances are, whether you're an avid watcher of runway presentations or a casual onlooker, you've spotted Irina Shayk on more occasions than you can count on two hands. The Russian model has graced the runways of designers like Valentino, Versace, Burberry, Helmut Lang, Jean Paul Gaultier, Bottega Veneta, and Tory Burch, among countless others. Shayk is also a frequent face in high-profile campaigns for labels like Max Mara, Giorgio Armani, and Calvin Klein, and is a constant presence at fashion week events around the world.

Irina Shayk in white tinsel midi dress
Gigi Hadid - $30 Million

Gigi Hadid has dominated runway shows since the start of her career. Hadid has accumulated her wealth with several major campaigns for the likes of major brands like Versace and Tommy Hilfiger, earning her a top spot on the highest-paid models list. In 2022, the 28-year-old model even launched her own clothing line, Guest in Residence. And while she has focused on motherhood since the birth of her daughter, Khai, whom she shares with her former partner, Zayn Malik, Hadid is still hitting the catwalk. Most recently, this most beautiful woman in the world made an appearance at Donatella's latest Versace show, and she walked the runway for Chanel's Fall/Winter 2024 show.

Highest-Paid Models Gigi Hadid
Adriana Lima - $30 Million

Often cited as one of the most beautiful women in the world, and one of the first Victoria's Secret Angels, Adriana Lime easily makes the top ten list of highest-paid models. While Lima is no longer an angel, her face still graces a fashion campaign every now and then, though her focus is raising her children. The Brazillian bombshell is still one of the top models in fashion.

adriana lima in a tan pantsuit
Cara Delevingne - $31 Million

Cara Delevingne is no stranger to the limelight. While Delevigne started as a model, the British socialite has slowly been making a name for herself as an actress. Delevigne has starred in Paper Towns and Suicide Squad, and guest-starred in Season 2 of the hit series Only Murders in the BuildingThough she has shied away from the runway, she still works as a model. Most recently, she was a part of Vogue's "Icons" issue

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Rosie Huntington-Whiteley - $32 Million

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is another model who distanced herself from the runway, and became an entrepreneur. She has started several business ventures, including her own now-defunct beauty line, and acquired several acting credits in many action-packed films, like Transformers: Dark of the Moon. This most beautiful woman in the world is also one of the most influential on Instagram, sharing her outfits and starring in social-first campaigns. 

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in a black dress.
Chrissy Teigen - $39 Million

Chrissy Teigen made her modeling debut in 2010 in Sports Illustrated. Since then, Teigen has continued her modeling career, while also making a name for herself as a television personality, entrepreneur, and New York Times best-selling author. 

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Karlie Kloss - $40 Million

After years of experience on the runways of some of the fashion industry's most prestigious designers, Karlie Kloss has risen to the top as one of the highest-paid models in the world. Although she has graced the runway on fewer occasions in recent years, she continues to work with top labels like Jean Paul Gaultier, Alexander McQueen, Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, and Marc Jacobs in stunning campaigns that have gone down in history as iconic, unforgettable collaborations.

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Gisele Bündchen - $40 Million

Gisele Bündchen is one of the top supermodels in the world. While she is retired from the runway, the supermodel is still one of fashion's top earners. Bündchen has even earned several acting credits over the years. The supermodel starred in the iconic fashion-forward film The Devil Wears Prada and Taxi, where she played the leader of a group of bank robbers.

gisele bundchen in a black top and jeans
Kendall Jenner - $60 Million

Kendall Jenner is the highest-paid model in the world, a title she earned in 2017, and has maintained this status for the last seven years. Along with her earnings from various runway shows and campaigns, the model also brings in a substantial income from her appearances on The Kardashians. Jenner also founded her own tequila brand 818 Tequila.

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