Let’s be real for a second. When you see a Victoria’s Secret model strutting down a runway with thirty pounds of Swarovski-encrusted wings strapped to her back, you aren’t just looking at a fashion statement. You’re looking at a walking, breathing business empire. But the question that always hangs in the air—usually right next to the glitter and hairspray—is: How much do Victoria’s Secret models make?
Honestly, the answer is kind of a wild ride. It’s not a flat rate. It’s not like they’re punching a time clock at the mall. Some of these women are pulling in "buy a private island" money, while others are making what a senior software engineer might earn in a good year.
It's complicated.
The Hierarchy of the Wing: Angels vs. Guest Models
First, you've got to understand the "caste system" of the brand. Not every girl on that runway is a Victoria’s Secret Angel. Being an "Angel" means you have a signed, multi-year contract that requires you to be the face of the brand year-round. You’re doing the catalog shoots, the store openings, and the talk show circuit.
These contracts used to be the "Holy Grail" of modeling. Back in the day, an Angel contract was basically a guaranteed ticket to the Forbes Highest-Paid Models list. We’re talking anywhere from $2 million to $5 million a year just for the contract alone.
Then you have the "Guest Models." These are the girls who walk the big annual show but aren't officially signed as brand ambassadors. For a single night's work at the 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, reports suggested that experienced runway models could pocket between $500 and $2,500.
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Wait, what?
Yeah, you read that right. For some, it’s about the prestige, not the immediate paycheck. But for the heavy hitters—the ones people actually recognize by their first name—that single night can command $20,000 or more.
The Heavy Hitters: Who’s Actually Winning?
If you want to know where the real money is, you have to look at the legends. Adriana Lima, who basically became synonymous with the brand over her two-decade tenure, has a net worth estimated around $95 million. Tyra Banks follows closely at $90 million.
But here’s the kicker: they didn't get that just from Victoria's Secret.
The VS runway is a springboard. It’s the ultimate marketing tool. Once you’re a "Victoria’s Secret Model," your rate for every other job—Maybelline, Versace, Vogue—skyrockets. Look at Gigi Hadid. She’s sitting on a $30 million fortune. Is all of that from wearing lingerie? No. It’s from the massive endorsement deals that came because she became a household name on that runway.
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The Breakdown of Top Earners (Estimated Net Worth)
- Gisele Bündchen: The undisputed GOAT. She earned roughly $44 million in 2015 alone and has a net worth near $400 million.
- Adriana Lima: Roughly $95 million. She was the longest-running Angel for a reason.
- Kendall Jenner: While not a traditional "contracted Angel" in the old-school sense, she’s pulled in $40 million in a single year across all her ventures.
- Candice Swanepoel: Around $25 million. She’s transitioned into her own successful swimwear line, Tropic of C.
Why the Pay Structure Changed
The industry isn't what it was in 2005. Back then, Victoria's Secret was the only game in town. If you wanted to be a supermodel, you needed those wings.
Fast forward to 2026, and the brand has had to pivot. They’ve moved away from the exclusive "Angel" titles in favor of the "VS Collective," featuring a more diverse group of ambassadors like Priyanka Chopra and Megan Rapinoe. The pay for these roles is more about "brand partnership" than "modeling contract."
It’s less about how many hours you spend in a gym and more about how many people follow you on TikTok. Social media influence is the new currency. A model with 20 million followers can negotiate a much higher fee for a campaign than a "traditional" model because she brings her own audience to the table.
The "Lower" End of the Spectrum
Let's talk about the models you don't see on the cover of a magazine. Victoria's Secret employs hundreds of models for their website, catalogs, and PINK line.
According to industry data from 2025 and early 2026, a "standard" model for the brand might earn an annual salary in the neighborhood of $67,000 to $100,000. It’s a solid living, but it’s a far cry from the multi-million dollar deals the public hears about. These models are essentially high-end commercial workers. They show up, do the job, and go home. No wings included.
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How to Actually Get Paid Like an Angel
If you're looking at these numbers and thinking about a career change, here’s the reality of the business side. Modeling for a brand like this isn't just about luck. It's about diversification.
- Leverage the Name: The biggest earners use the VS name to secure "Blue Chip" contracts with luxury fashion houses.
- Equity over Cash: Smart models like Gisele or Alessandra Ambrosio started their own brands (skincare, swimwear, clothing). They stopped trading time for money and started building assets.
- The Social Factor: In 2026, your "engagement rate" is just as important as your walk. High-paid models are essentially content creators who happen to be exceptionally photogenic.
The Reality Check
Being a Victoria’s Secret model is sort of like being an NFL quarterback. There are only a few dozen spots at the top where the money is "generational." For everyone else, it’s a grueling, competitive job that pays well but comes with an expiration date.
The brand itself is actually doing okay lately. In their Q3 2025 earnings report, Victoria’s Secret & Co. reported net sales of $1.472 billion. They’re making money, which means they’re still paying for top talent. But the days of handing out $10 million contracts to every girl with a pair of wings are mostly over.
Actionable Insights for Aspiring Talent
- Build a Personal Brand: Don't rely on a single agency or brand. Your value is your audience.
- Focus on Longevity: The models who made the most (Lima, Klum) stayed with the brand for over a decade. Loyalty pays.
- Watch the Markets: The shift toward the "VS Collective" means the brand is looking for voices, not just faces. If you want the big check, you need to have something to say.
Ultimately, the "average" Victoria's Secret model makes a very comfortable living, but the "Supermodel" paydays are reserved for the 1% of the 1%. It's a high-stakes game of branding, beauty, and business.