The Highest paid models of 2024
In today’s competitive modeling industry, reaching the top is no easy feat, and staying there is even harder. New talent emerges constantly, making it difficult to maintain dominance. However, being a top-paid model in 2024 requires more than just runway skills. Social media presence plays a pivotal role in shaping a model’s career, as platforms like Instagram and TikTok have become essential for visibility and influence. Building a large, engaged audience opens doors to brand endorsements and partnerships, which are crucial for elevating income and marketability.
In fact, top models are often the face of global campaigns for fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands. This dual role—runway model and digital influencer—creates a more diverse revenue stream. Brand deals with companies such as Chanel, Versace, or Estée Lauder can bring in millions annually. For example, Kendall Jenner, the highest-paid model in 2024, reportedly earns over $40 million per year from a combination of runway work and endorsements.
In contrast, the average salary for a professional model is much lower. According to various industry estimates, most models earn between $25,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on their experience, location, and the types of jobs they secure. Only the elite few, who master both the runway and social media, can break into the multi-million dollar tier.
These top-paid models have managed to not only establish themselves on the runway but also build their brand through strategic endorsements and social media influence.
Kendall Jenner
Kendall Jenner continues to dominate the modeling industry, holding her place as one of the top-earning models in 2024. Having built a career from her appearances on Keeping Up with the Kardashians, she strategically transitioned into high fashion. Jenner’s rise was solidified by working with brands like Chanel, Balmain, and Marc Jacobs.
Kendall Jenner also has great success using her social media platform and gaining key brand endorsements. Kendall's success is attributed to her ability to merge reality TV fame with a serious modeling career. With over 280 million Instagram followers, she has mastered the art of leveraging social media, enhancing her influence in the fashion world.
In 2023, Forbes reported that Kendall Jenner was paid $40 million.
Gigi Hadid
Gigi Hadid remains one of the most recognizable faces in fashion. Rising to fame through her connection to the Hadid family and working for brands like Versace, Prada, and Fendi, Gigi’s career continues to flourish. She was also featured in the 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, where she was estimated to have earned around $30 million.
Her impressive portfolio includes magazine covers, editorial shoots, and high-profile collaborations. What sets Gigi apart is her authentic approach to motherhood while maintaining her career, balancing life as a mother and model seamlessly.
Bella Hadid
Bella Hadid has solidified her status as one of the highest-paid models in 2024, forging her own distinct path in the fashion world apart from her sister, Gigi. Known for her striking features and fierce runway walk, Bella is highly sought after by top fashion houses. She has collaborated with prestigious brands like Dior, Givenchy, and Balenciaga, and is often the muse for avant-garde designers pushing creative boundaries.
Her influence extends far beyond the runway. Bella’s editorial presence in major fashion magazines and campaigns for global luxury brands have made her a fixture in the high-fashion world. Known for her impeccable style and adaptability, she frequently partners with cutting-edge designers, bringing innovation and edge to everything she touches.
In addition to her modeling work, Bella is also admired for her advocacy surrounding mental health, openly discussing her struggles and using her platform to promote awareness. This authenticity has endeared her to fans and brands alike, further enhancing her marketability.
Adriana Lima
A Brazilian supermodel, Adriana Lima continues to be one of the highest-paid models in 2024, despite her long tenure in the fashion industry. Best known as a Victoria's Secret Angel for nearly two decades, Lima's career is iconic. Her lucrative deals with brands like Maybelline and Puma, coupled with her work for luxury designers such as Versace and Balmain, contribute significantly to her earnings. Adriana's timeless beauty and professionalism have kept her in demand, even as new models emerge in the industry.
Though Lima no longer graces the Victoria's Secret runway after her emotional 2018 farewell, her legacy as one of the most iconic faces of the brand remains intact. This connection to one of the world's most well-known lingerie brands, along with her consistency in landing high-profile campaigns, allows her to maintain a top-tier income.
In 2024, her ongoing relevance in fashion is seen not only in her modeling but also in her strategic ventures into business and philanthropy. She has been involved in charitable causes focused on children and women's rights, adding an extra layer to her enduring popularity. This blend of modeling success and advocacy has solidified her position as one of the most respected figures in the industry. The 2024 Victoria’s Secret fashion show saw the return of Adriana Lima to the runway, giving viewers an iconic look as always.
Adriana Lima’s ability to maintain her status as one of the highest-paid models—years after her runway prime—shows the power of staying relevant, consistent, and connected to her audience through both social and commercial channels.
Liu Wen
As one of the top Chinese models, Liu Wen continues to set new standards in the fashion world, especially in 2024. She’s often referred to as China’s first supermodel, and her collaborations with brands such as Estée Lauder and H&M have made her one of the most recognizable faces globally.
Liu Wen’s consistent appearances on international runways, including her role in the 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, highlight her global appeal and influence. She also remains a cultural icon in Asia, where her influence reaches far beyond the fashion community.
Gisele Bundchen
Gisele Bündchen remains one of the highest-paid models in 2024, continuing to build on her legendary career. Rising to fame in the late 1990s, Gisele redefined the modeling industry with her unique look and exceptional runway presence. Her long-standing partnership with Victoria’s Secret and work for luxury brands like Chanel, Versace, and Louis Vuitton contributed to her global stardom.
Though she retired from the runway in 2015, Gisele continues to command top earnings through high-profile endorsement deals and her ventures in environmental activism, philanthropy, and wellness. She also authored a best-selling memoir, Lessons: My Path to a Meaningful Life, expanding her influence beyond fashion. Gisele’s lasting success is rooted in her business acumen and ability to remain relevant in an evolving industry, making her an enduring icon.
Ashley Graham
Ashley Graham remains one of the highest-paid models in 2024, championing body positivity and diversity in the fashion industry. As a trailblazer for plus-size models, she has broken boundaries by collaborating with major brands such as Swimsuits for All, Levi’s, Revlon, and Nordstrom. Her advocacy for inclusivity has earned her not only widespread recognition but also lucrative endorsement deals that contribute significantly to her success.
Graham’s participation in the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was a historic moment. As the brand embraced a more inclusive vision, her presence symbolized the shift towards body diversity on a global stage. This appearance solidified her role as a key figure in the industry's transformation, and her success continues to inspire both models and consumers to celebrate beauty in all forms.
In addition to modeling, Ashley remains a vocal advocate for self-love and body acceptance through her social media platforms, interviews, and public speaking engagements. She has also ventured into business, launching her own collections and collaborations, including lingerie lines designed for all body types. Graham’s blend of activism, modeling, and entrepreneurship ensures her lasting influence and financial success in 2024.
The Significance of the 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show
The 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was highly anticipated as it marked a return after several years of absence. This year’s show featured a broader range of models, showcasing the brand's new commitment to diversity and body positivity. The inclusion of models like Adut Akech and Joan Smalls reflects this shift, emphasizing the show’s evolving image in a more inclusive and representative direction.
