Forbes list of the world's highest-paid models



This is a list of the highest-paid models—applicable to either sex— in the world as ranked by Forbes magazine. For measurement, the magazine used pretax earnings, and fees for agents, managers and lawyers are not deducted, based on the report of 2018. The estimated figures are based on interviews with managers, agents, brand executives, and industry experts. Models income came from multiples entries, including endorsements, licensing ventures, runway shows, and commercial catalogs.

The lists are nearly exclusive to female models, as the magazine rarely compiles a list based on male models—the last time being in 2013. The modeling industry is a women-dominated sector, one of the few industries where the gender pay gap is reversed, where male models typically earn far less than their counterparts. According to PayScale in 2013, female models had an average salary of $41,300, earning 148% more than male models. By 2008, a successful male model could earn a mid-six-figure range, maxing out around $500,000 a year.

Supermodel Gisele Bündchen is the highest-ranked model on Forbes earning lists as of 2023, in different measurements, including the largest string of appearances on the top, and the highest sum registered ($47 million in 2014). Sean O'Pry has the highest sum reported by Forbes for a male model in a year ($1.5 million in 2013).

Highest-paid models by year














2022
The 2022 list:

2021
The 2021 list:

2020
The 2020 list:

2018
The 2018 list:

2017
The 2017 list:

2016
The 2016 list:

2015
The 2015 list:

2014
The 2014 list:

2013
The 2013 list:

The 2013 list (male models):

2012
The 2012 list:

2011
The 2011 list:

2010
The 2010 list:

2009
The 2009 list:

The 2009 list (male models) also known as "World's Most Successful Male Models" list:

2008
The 2008 list:

The 2008 list (male models), also known as "World's Most Successful Male Models" list:

2007
The 2007 list:

2006
The 2006 list:

2005
The 2005 list:

2004
The 2004 list:

2003
The 2003 list:

2000
The 2000 list: