How Much Money Does A Victoria Secret Model Make

Though Victoria's Secret has been wrapped in controversy for its lack of diversity and inclusion, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show is still one of the most significant events in the modeling world each year. Millions of Americans have tuned in each December since 1995 to watch the models sport their angel wings and strut their stuff on the runway while donning elaborate lingerie, makeup, and stiletto heels.

While many of the models who walk down the runway like Bella and Gigi Hadid and Kendell Jenner are recognizable from their fashion campaigns and pop culture moments, others who aren't so identifiable also use the Victoria's Secret stage as a chance to shine. Still, we wondered how much Victoria's Secret Ange's actually get paid?

Alessandra Ambrosio Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

This OG Angel is retiring her wings after this year. | Martin Bureau/AFP/Getty Images

Senior Angels vs. New Angels

There is a hierarchy the modeling world and on the Victoria's Secret stage. For example, Adriana Lima who was the second-highest-paid model in the lingerie line's fashion show in 2016 is worth an astounding $10.5 million. However, it's not the fashion show itself that made Lima a millionaire. Though the show is a fantastic opportunity for models, it's seen as a launching pad, and supermodels use it as an opportunity to help build their brand.

Lima, for example, has an endorsement deal with Maybelline while, newly retired Victoria Secret Angel Alessandra Ambrosio, has her own swim line, Ale by Alessandra Ambrosio, and a $5 million net worth. Newer angles like Jasmine Tooks who has a net worth of $4 million launched her career with Victoria's Secret in 2012 and has since landed deals with Lancome and Calvin Klein.

A $22 million show

Putting on the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show each year is a massive financial feat. The production of the show alone costs about $12 million, and the company adds in another $10 million just to promote the show and handle various teams of hair, makeup, and wardrobe. Former Victoria's Secret President and CEO Sharen Turney said, "It's not as much as you would think and it actually pays for itself five times over." Unfortunately, with bad press and rapidly falling sales, we somehow don't think the show is continuing to pay for itself.

Candice Swanepoel Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

She made her return on the VS stage after having her baby last year. | Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images

A paycheck from The Victoria Secret Fashion Show

No one model is getting rich off of one walk down the Victoria's Secret Runway. Though the Million Dollar Bras seen on the runway are actually worth millions, the models are only bringing home about $1,000 each for their time and efforts. Though more seasoned models can probably negotiate higher salaries for their seniority and fame. However, on average, most of the Victoria Secret's models make just $100,000-$1,000,000 a year.

Despite the controversy, if you want to be a supermodel, getting a chance to strap on your angel wings for Victoria's Secret is a great opportunity, but if you want a real career and life-long wealth, you're going to have to do a lot more work than that. Tyra Banks and Gisele Bündchen are perhaps the most prominent examples of how diverse you can be as a model and what avenues you can take in the entertainment industry.

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