The Highest paid models of 2025

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Posted: October 21, 2024

Courtney Evans

Last Updated 29th January 2025

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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's rise to prominence in the fashion industry is a testament to her talent, hard work, and strategic career moves. Initially known for her role on Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Kendall transitioned from reality TV star to supermodel with finesse, carving out a space for herself in high fashion. Her career was solidified when she began walking for top designers like Chanel, Marc Jacobs, and Balmain, establishing herself as one of the industry's leading models.

Jenner’s runway success has been remarkable, showcasing her versatility and poise on prestigious catwalks worldwide. As one of the top-earning models in 2024, she has also leveraged her massive social media presence—over 280 million Instagram followers—to secure major brand endorsements and collaborations, from beauty to fashion.

In addition to her ongoing success in the fashion world, Kendall’s career took another prominent step forward at the Paris Fashion Week 2025, where she walked for several high-profile designers, further proving her stature in global fashion. With a net worth of $60 million as of 2024, Kendall continues to solidify her position as one of the wealthiest and most influential models of her generation, seamlessly blending her entrepreneurial ventures with her modeling career.

Gigi Hadid

Gigi Hadid’s career trajectory is a true testament to her talent, perseverance, and adaptability in the ever-changing fashion world. Rising to fame as part of the highly influential Hadid family, Gigi quickly became a sought-after face in high fashion. Her work with iconic brands like Versace, Prada, Fendi, and Tommy Hilfiger solidified her position as one of the top models of her generation.

In 2024, Gigi Hadid graced the runway at the highly anticipated Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, where she once again proved why she is considered one of the most in-demand supermodels in the world. Her presence at the show added to her already impressive portfolio, which includes magazine covers, major editorial campaigns, and high-profile collaborations with brands like Maybelline and Evian.

Gigi’s ability to balance motherhood with her career has also been notable. Despite her personal life changes, she continues to dominate the fashion industry, maintaining a powerful social media presence and engaging with her large following. With a net worth of $30 million, Gigi Hadid is not just a model but a trendsetter who has left a lasting impact on the fashion industry, continuing to evolve and redefine what it means to be a supermodel.

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’s career is the epitome of success in the modelling industry, making her one of the most influential and highest-paid models in history. Born in Brazil in 1980, Gisele's rise to fame began in the late 1990s when she quickly became a global icon. Her breakthrough moment came in 1998 with an unforgettable Alexander McQueen runway show, marking the start of her extraordinary journey to superstardom. Her long, lean figure, striking features, and charismatic runway presence redefined the world of modelling.

Throughout her career, Gisele became the face of renowned luxury brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Versace, and was a key figure in Victoria’s Secret’s rise to global dominance. By the early 2000s, she was one of the most sought-after models in the world. Her partnership with Victoria’s Secret, in particular, propelled her into mainstream fame, cementing her status as the industry's highest-earning supermodel.

Although she officially retired from the runway in 2015, Gisele’s success didn't end there. She continues to maintain a prominent presence in the fashion world through lucrative endorsement deals and strategic partnerships. Gisele has also expanded her influence beyond the fashion industry, becoming a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability and wellness. Her philanthropic work and focus on mental and physical well-being have inspired many.

Additionally, her best-selling memoir, Lessons: My Path to a Meaningful Life, allowed her to share her personal journey and life philosophies, further establishing her as a respected businesswoman and public figure. With her incredible work ethic, business savvy, and versatility, Gisele Bündchen has evolved into a global icon and remains relevant in multiple industries, proving that her legacy extends far beyond the runway.

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.