Sean O’Pry was the highest-paid male model in the last full earnings ranking we have, with $1.5 million in 2013, and David Gandy followed with $1.4 million. No public ranking of male model earnings has been published since then, so we keep that 2013 list as a dated record and add what we can confirm about each model today. Do not read the figures below as 2026 pay. They are the 2013 earnings from the original ranking, shown with their year.
| Rank | Model | 2013 earnings | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sean O’Pry | $1.5 million | Armani, Hugo Boss, fragrance deals |
| 2 | David Gandy | $1.4 million | Dolce & Gabbana |
| 3 | Simon Nessman | $1.1 million | Michael Kors, Armani |
| 4 | Arthur Kulkov | $905,000 | Tommy Hilfiger, D&G |
| 5 | Noah Mills | $740,000 | Versace, Michael Kors |
| 6 | Ryan Burns | $610,000 | Zegna fragrance |
| 7 | Tyson Ballou | $425,000 | H&M, Calvin Klein |
| 8 | Ollie Edwards | $410,000 | Ralph Lauren |
| 9 | Jon Kortajarena | $290,000 | Carolina Herrera, H&M |
| 10 | Tobias Sorensen | $265,000 | Diesel, Zara |
1. Sean O’Pry: $1.5 million (2013)
He was discovered at 17 and worked for Giorgio Armani, H&M, Versace, Salvatore Ferragamo and Hugo Boss, with fragrance contracts adding to his income. In 2026 an edit of one of his photoshoots turned into a viral social media meme, and male models like him saw a resurgence online from late 2023.
2. David Gandy: $1.4 million (2013)
Gandy’s 2007 Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue campaign, which included a 50-foot Times Square billboard, made him a household name. He is widely regarded as the most successful male model of all time and is now creative director of his own brand. See also our feature on Dolce & Gabbana.
3. Simon Nessman: $1.1 million (2013)
The Canadian model was the face of Michael Kors for several seasons and also worked for Armani, Versace and Calvin Klein. He later returned to complete a degree at Quest University in Canada, graduating in May 2017.
4. Arthur Kulkov: $905,000 (2013)
Born in Russia, Kulkov was scouted while playing soccer in college in New York and graduated in business marketing in 2005. He is known for GQ and Details covers and for steady campaign work.
5. Noah Mills: $740,000 (2013)
The Canadian model and actor has worked with Dolce & Gabbana, Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors and Gap. Vogue ranked him among the top 10 male models of all time in September 2014.
6. Ryan Burns: $610,000 (2013)
Burns earned most of his 2013 income from a Zegna fragrance deal, showing how one big contract can lift a model above those with broader portfolios.
7. Tyson Ballou: $425,000 (2013)
Ballou was discovered in Texas at 15 and started in New York with Ford Models before signing with IMG. He has appeared in campaigns for major fashion houses.
8. Ollie Edwards: $410,000 (2013)
The British model was the face of Ralph Lauren and appeared in Armani, Brioni and DKNY campaigns.
9. Jon Kortajarena: $290,000 (2013)
The Spanish model also acts. He fronted the 212 VIP Carolina Herrera fragrance in 2011 and signed campaigns for H&M and Karl Lagerfeld.
10. Tobias Sorensen: $265,000 (2013)
The Danish model appeared in Diesel, Zara and Antony Morato campaigns and walked runway shows for Nautica and Elie Tahari.
What changed since 2013
Male models still earn the most from fragrance and long campaign contracts, which is why single deals such as Zegna and Dolce & Gabbana show up in the numbers. Social media reach now also matters, as O’Pry’s 2026 revival shows.
FAQ
Who is the highest-paid male model?
In the last full earnings ranking, Sean O’Pry with $1.5 million in 2013. David Gandy is widely regarded as the most successful male model in history.
How much do top male models earn now?
No current public ranking exists, so we do not quote 2026 figures. The numbers on this page are from 2013.
Why do female models earn more?
Fashion pays women more on average, with several earning many millions a year. Male models rarely reach that.
How do male models earn the most?
Through long campaign and fragrance contracts, which are bigger than runway fees.
Is David Gandy still modelling?
He is now creative director of his own brand, in addition to modelling work.
How we put this list together
We kept the last full earnings ranking of male models and checked each name against public biographies.
Earnings are shown with their year because they have not been updated since. Any current status comes from published profiles.
Last updated: October 2026.
