How Kendall Jenner Became One of the World’s Highest-Paid Models

Kendall Jenner has built one of the most lucrative modeling careers in fashion history. From teenage runway bookings to global campaigns and a booming business empire, her rise reflects both industry influence and years of strategic work.

Kendall Jenner is widely recognized as the highest-paid supermodel in the world, a title she has held for several consecutive years. While modeling remains the foundation of her success, her income extends far beyond the runway. Through endorsements, reality television, and her own business ventures, Jenner has turned visibility into lasting financial power.

Her career did not happen overnight. It was the result of steady progression, strategic decisions, and a gradual shift from commercial modeling into the high-fashion world.

Early Beginnings in Modeling

Kendall Jenner began modeling at the age of 14. With the help of her mother, Kris Jenner, she signed with Wilhelmina Models, marking the official start of her professional career. Her early work focused on commercial modeling, including her first major job with Forever 21.

By 2013, Jenner made a clear shift toward high fashion. She appeared in publications such as "Miss Vogue Australia" and "Harper’s Bazaar Arabia," signaling her growing acceptance within editorial fashion. That same year, she signed with Society Management, a major turning point in her career.

This move positioned Jenner alongside established runway models and placed her on a more traditional fashion path. It also marked her transition away from commercial branding toward luxury and designer work.

Her momentum continued into 2014, when she began working with elite fashion houses including Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Tommy Hilfiger, and Balmain. That year, she also became a representative for Estée Lauder, further solidifying her presence in the beauty industry.

Runways, Campaigns, and Global Recognition

Jenner’s career reached new heights as she became a regular fixture at international fashion weeks. She walked in major runway shows and fronted global campaigns, making her one of the most visible faces in fashion.

She also appeared in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2015, 2016, and 2018. She did not participate in the 2017 show due to a conflicting contract with La Perla. Her appearances helped bridge the gap between high fashion credibility and mainstream appeal.

By this stage, Jenner was no longer viewed as a newcomer. She was a top-tier model commanding premium rates.

Record-Breaking Earnings

In 2018, it was reported that Kendall Jenner earned $22.5 million from modeling alone, officially naming her the highest-paid model in the world. This distinction brought increased attention to the scale of her success.

According to sources, her estimated net worth as of November 2025 stands at $80 million. Modeling remains a significant contributor, but endorsements, business ventures, and television income have played major roles in her financial growth.

Business Ventures and Public Perception

Beyond modeling, Jenner has expanded her brand through endorsements and entrepreneurship. She is also the founder of 818 Tequila, a business venture that has added another revenue stream to her growing portfolio.

In 2019, Jenner addressed public assumptions that her success was guaranteed because of her famous last name. She stated that while her platform opened doors, she still had to prove herself and earn her place in the industry.

Kendall Jenner’s rise to the top of the modeling world reflects more than celebrity access. It shows a carefully built career marked by steady progression, high-profile collaborations, and strategic diversification.

From her teenage beginnings to becoming the highest-paid supermodel in the world, Jenner has transformed visibility into long-term success. Her career continues to evolve, but her place in fashion history is already firmly established.