Model Salary Statistics 2025
The modeling industry in 2025 reflects a unique blend of tradition, digital influence, and entrepreneurial evolution. Top-earning models are no longer just faces on billboards—they’re brand owners, cultural icons, and content creators shaping the future of fashion. While the runway still plays a role, the real financial power lies in long-term endorsements, beauty collaborations, and personal branding.
This year’s highest-paid models show that career longevity often depends on strategic partnerships, global appeal, and the ability to adapt beyond traditional modeling roles. With rising interest in diversity, digital presence, and wellness-oriented branding, modeling has become more multidimensional than ever.
These salary statistics also highlight which qualities the fashion and advertising worlds are prioritizing today. Looking ahead, the industry will likely continue rewarding models who embody both cultural relevance and cross-platform marketability.
Model Salary Statistics 2025 (Editor's Choice)
As of March 2025, the modeling industry continues to showcase significant earnings among top professionals. Here are the top 10 highest-paid models:
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Kendall Jenner: Leading the list with annual earnings of $40 million.
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Gisele Bündchen: Following closely with $33 million in earnings.
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Rosie Huntington-Whiteley: Securing the third spot with $32 million.
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Cara Delevingne: Earning $31 million, placing fourth.
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Adriana Lima: Rounding out the top five with $30 million in earnings.
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Bella Hadid: Reportedly earning $19 million.
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Gigi Hadid: With earnings of $9 million.
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Liu Wen: Earning $7 million.
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Joan Smalls: With reported earnings of $6 million.
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Doutzen Kroes: Also earning $6 million.
These figures highlight the substantial incomes achieved by leading models in the industry. It's important to note that such earnings are influenced by factors like brand endorsements, runway shows, and personal ventures.
Additionally, average salaries for models can vary significantly based on experience, location, and the nature of modeling work. For instance, in the United States, the median hourly wage for models was $22.80 as of May 2023
Model Salary Statistics 2025 and Future Implications
Model Salary Statistics 2025 #1. Kendall Jenner – $40 million
Kendall Jenner continues to dominate the modeling world in 2025, earning an estimated $40 million. Her brand partnerships with luxury fashion houses and global campaigns for makeup and skincare lines have reinforced her position at the top.
Jenner's earnings suggest that social media influence and crossover ventures into beauty and lifestyle continue to pay off significantly. Moving forward, models with strong digital presence and entrepreneurial ventures are likely to redefine what it means to be a “supermodel.” The future of modeling may favor influencers who can command attention both on and off the runway.
Model Salary Statistics 2025 #2. Gisele Bündchen – $33 million
Despite stepping back from full-time modeling years ago, Gisele Bündchen remains one of the highest-paid models in 2025. Her long-term contracts, sustainability advocacy, and wellness branding continue to generate strong income. Gisele’s earnings highlight the power of legacy and consistent branding over decades.
This trend shows that veteran models with strong reputations and selective partnerships can continue to earn far beyond their runway years. In the coming years, expect more emphasis on long-term personal branding rather than short bursts of visibility.
Model Salary Statistics 2025 #3. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley – $32 million
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s $32 million earnings reflect her dual identity as both a fashion model and businesswoman. Her beauty brand and editorial presence continue to attract elite sponsorships and collaborations. Rosie’s career trajectory signals that models who transition into product development or brand ownership can diversify their income streams more effectively.
The growing demand for models who also function as entrepreneurs could reshape talent scouting. Modeling agencies may need to support brand-building and investment opportunities to stay competitive.
Model Salary Statistics 2025 #4. Cara Delevingne – $31 million
With $31 million in 2025 earnings, Cara Delevingne demonstrates the growing convergence between fashion, film, and entertainment. Her modeling is complemented by her acting and activist roles, which increase her marketability across industries. Her multifaceted career is a blueprint for models looking to expand beyond the catwalk into media and advocacy.
As inclusivity and identity-driven branding become more valuable to consumers, the industry may increasingly prioritize talent with a distinctive voice and cross-platform relevance. Future models could be evaluated as content creators and public figures rather than runway talent alone.
Model Salary Statistics 2025 #5. Adriana Lima – $30 million
Adriana Lima, one of the most iconic Victoria’s Secret Angels, earned $30 million in 2025 through endorsements and global campaigns. Even after stepping away from regular runway shows, she remains a face of international beauty and athletic brands.
Adriana’s success shows the longevity that’s possible when a model is associated with high-visibility brands over time. It suggests that once a model reaches household name status, the earning potential doesn’t necessarily fade with age. The fashion world may continue to shift toward veteran representation, balancing youth appeal with global recognition.
Model Salary Statistics 2025 #6. Bella Hadid – $19 million
Bella Hadid earned $19 million in 2025, driven by luxury endorsements, fashion week exclusives, and brand collaborations. Her artistic vision and avant-garde aesthetic keep her in demand across fashion capitals. Bella’s earnings highlight the value of aesthetic distinction and niche appeal within the high fashion world.
As Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences gravitate toward individuality and experimentation, models with unconventional beauty and strong editorial voices may rise in value. The modeling industry could increasingly reward risk-takers and boundary-pushers in campaigns and catwalks.
Model Salary Statistics 2025 #7. Gigi Hadid – $9 million
Earning $9 million in 2025, Gigi Hadid remains a staple in both commercial and editorial modeling. Her work with global clothing brands and her signature style continue to earn her top billing, though slightly lower than her sister. Gigi’s sustained earnings point to the power of versatility—being able to model high fashion and mainstream retail.
Going forward, models who can successfully move between markets—luxury, fast fashion, and digital—will be more attractive to brands looking for cross-demographic appeal. Modeling may become more hybrid in nature, blending influencer marketing with traditional print and runway work.
Model Salary Statistics 2025 #8. Liu Wen – $7 million
China’s top model Liu Wen earned $7 million in 2025, largely from high-profile campaigns with global fashion and beauty giants. She remains a symbol of East Asian representation in the industry, showing how global markets influence top-tier earnings.
Her continued success reflects the growing importance of Asian consumers in luxury fashion, especially as brands expand in China and Southeast Asia. The future will likely see more multilingual, international talent rising to prominence as brands seek broader market reach. Cultural fluency and international relatability may soon be prerequisites for global modeling stardom.
Model Salary Statistics 2025 #9. Joan Smalls – $6 million
Joan Smalls brought in $6 million in 2025, a result of her longstanding work with luxury brands and outspoken advocacy for diversity. As one of the first Afro-Latina models to reach global status, Joan’s career illustrates the growing demand for representation in campaigns and brand storytelling.
Her presence reflects a larger movement in fashion to embrace more inclusive casting—not just for token appearances but as brand leaders. The next generation of models may be selected as much for their cultural narrative and values alignment as for their looks. Modeling could evolve into a platform for representation, not just fashion.
Model Salary Statistics 2025 #10. Doutzen Kroes – $6 million
Doutzen Kroes remains a high earner in 2025 with $6 million in modeling income, primarily from selective beauty and lifestyle campaigns. Known for her classic look and wellness-focused branding, she taps into the luxury-meets-health aesthetic that resonates with modern consumers.
Her success signals a continued market for aspirational, timeless imagery in beauty and fashion advertising. As consumers become more health-conscious and digitally savvy, models aligned with wellness, family, and holistic living may have more longevity. This could spark a return to more organic, clean aesthetics in casting and campaign design.
What These Earnings Reveal About the Future of Modeling
The 2025 salary rankings make it clear that modeling success today depends on more than just a strong portfolio. Models who diversify their income through business ventures, digital influence, and long-standing brand collaborations are outperforming those relying solely on runway work.
There's a noticeable shift toward longevity, personal storytelling, and global adaptability. As fashion becomes increasingly consumer-driven and socially aware, models who align with evolving cultural values will likely command the highest paychecks. These earnings aren’t just numbers—they’re signals of where the industry is headed and what it now takes to stay at the top.
Sources:
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbes_list_of_the_world%27s_highest-paid_models
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbes_list_of_the_world%27s_highest-paid_models
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbes_list_of_the_world%27s_highest-paid_models
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbes_list_of_the_world%27s_highest-paid_models
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbes_list_of_the_world%27s_highest-paid_models