Highest Paid Model 2025 – Who Leads the Runway Money Race?
If you’ve ever wondered which face is cashing in the most this year, you’re not alone. The modeling world isn’t just about pretty pictures; it’s a serious business where brand deals, runway shows, and social media can push a model’s income into seven figures. Below you’ll find a straightforward breakdown of how earnings are tallied, who topped the chart in 2025, and why those numbers matter if you’re a model, agency, or brand.
How Earnings Are Calculated
Model income isn’t just the paycheck from a fashion show. Analysts typically add four main streams:
- Runway fees: Pay per show, which can range from $5,000 for emerging shows to $50,000+ for the big fashion weeks.
- Campaign contracts: Brands pay a flat rate or a royalty for using a model’s image in ads, social media, and print. Luxury houses often hand out six‑figure deals.
- Endorsements & collaborations: Working with makeup, skincare, or tech brands on limited‑edition products can bring in huge percentages of sales.
- Social media income: Followers translate into sponsored posts, affiliate links, and even TikTok or Instagram “creator” revenue.
All these numbers get added together, and the total determines a model’s spot on the yearly leaderboard. Sources like Forbes, Business of Fashion, and verified agency reports are usually cross‑checked for accuracy.
Top Earners of 2025
Here’s a quick snapshot of the highest‑paid models in 2025, based on the latest compiled data:
- Kendall Jenner – Roughly $45 million. Her blend of runway gigs, a massive Instagram following, and a few high‑profile beauty collaborations keep her on top.
- Gigi Hadid – About $38 million. She anchors major denim campaigns, a lucrative cosmetics line, and a Netflix fashion docuseries that adds royalty cash.
- Bella Hadid – Around $32 million. She lands runway spots with the biggest luxury houses and scores hefty endorsement deals with tech accessories.
- Emily Ratajkowski – Close to $28 million. Her focus on lingerie and swimwear brand partnerships, plus a thriving YouTube channel, boost her earnings.
- Cara Delevingne – Approximately $25 million. She mixes acting roles, a fragrance line, and a few surprise runway comebacks.
These figures show that a model’s net worth now leans heavily on brand partnerships and personal media channels—not just the clothes they wear on the catwalk.
Why does this matter to you? If you’re an aspiring model, the takeaway is clear: build a strong online presence early and look for niche endorsement contracts that align with your style. Brands love authentic voices, and a well‑curated feed can be worth more than an extra runway slot.
For agencies, understanding the revenue mix helps you pitch the right deals to clients. A luxury brand might prioritize runway exposure, while a fast‑fashion label could focus on rapid social media cycles.
Finally, brands should note that the highest‑paid models aren’t always the most famous faces. Sometimes a rising star with a tight‑knit follower community can deliver a higher ROI than a legacy name.
Keep an eye on the annual ranking updates—next year’s leader could be a fresh face from TikTok or a veteran who just launched a successful lifestyle brand. The money game in modeling moves fast, and staying informed gives you the edge you need.
Highest Paid Model in 2025: Who Tops the List This Year?
Discover who the world's highest paid model is in 2025. Dive into amazing facts, earning figures, and insider tips about fashion's richest faces this year.