A ranked list of the 20 richest bodybuilders and their net worths

A ranked list of the 20 richest bodybuilders and their net worths

Claudia Kogi
updated at June 19, 2023 at 6:27 AM

Bodybuilding is among the world's oldest sports, dating back to the Greek and Roman civilisations. To some, it is more of a recreational activity, but to others, it is about a burning passion for being physically fit, getting notoriety, winning money, and getting product endorsements. Some of the richest bodybuilders are famous social media personalities since many people who want to stay physically fit emulate their patterns and routines.

Richest bodybuilders
Athletes compete in the 2023 Arnold Classic African Festival organized by the international bodybuilding and fitness federation at Ruimsig stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa on 21 May 2023. Photo: Ihsaan Haffejee
Source: Getty Images

However, it is more challenging than it may seem to be a bodybuilder since the sport is expensive. For athletes to maintain their bodies, which can sometimes be referred to as a lifestyle, they need a good diet rich in proteins, gym memberships, sacrifices, training gear, supplements, etc.

Top 20 richest bodybuilders in the world

Although bodybuilders put in a lot of work to compete compared to other athletes, actors, and singers, they do not get the credit they deserve.

According to various online sources, Sports Brief has compiled a list of the top 20 richest bodybuilders in the world as of 2023.

20. Jeff Seid - $1.5 million

Richest bodybuilders of all time
Jeff Seid attends the 2017 Los Angeles builders ball at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on 28 September 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. Photo: Leon Bennett
Source: Getty Images
  • Age: 29 years of age as of June 2023
  • Contest weight: 205 pounds or 88.5 kilograms
  • Height: 6 feet 0 inches or 183 centimetres

Jeff is one of the youngest and richest bodybuilders in the world. The American-based athlete is determined, motivated, passionate, and self-driven and a member of the US IFBB Pro.

The renowned legend has made a life and contributed to his wealth through magazine appearances, investments, and sponsorship deals.

19. Kai Greene - $1.6 million

Richest bodybuilders in the world as of 2023
Kai Greene of the United States performs in the Arnold Classic Men's bodybuilding open during the 2016 Arnold Classic on 19 March 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. Photo: Quinn Rooney
Source: Getty Images
  • Age: 47 years of age as of June 2023
  • Contest weight: 267 pounds or 121 kilograms
  • Height: 5 feet 7 inches or 170 centimetres

Kai is among the richest American bodybuilders who almost took home the Mr Olympia title, but unfortunately, he lost to his opponent Phil Health. Although he had a fall with the IFBB, he will still be remembered as one of the greatest athletes in the sport's history.

18. Steve Cook - $1.9 million

Richest American bodybuilders
Steve Cook attends freestyle releasing world premiere of Bigger at the Orleans arena on 13 September 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo: Gabe Ginsberg
Source: Getty Images
  • Age: 38 years of age as of June 2023
  • Contest weight: 205 pounds or 93 kilograms
  • Height: 6 feet or 183 centimetres

Although smaller than other IFBB pro members, Steve Cook ranks among the richest bodybuilders to ever walk the industry. His career has spanned almost eight years; in those years, he has won several titles, such as the NPC and IFBB.

17. Mike Chang - $2 million

  • Age: 40 years of age as of June 2023
  • Contest weight: 185 pounds or 83.9 kilograms
  • Height: 5 feet 9 inches or 175 centimetres

When Mike Chang came up with an idea to create an innovative training program called Six Pack Shortcuts, he rose to popularity. The legend has made his wealth as a trainer and through youtube videos.

16. Christian Guzman - $2 million

  • Age: 30 years of age as of June 2023
  • Contest weight: 185 pounds or 83.9 kilograms
  • Height: 5 feet 11 inches or 180 centimetres

Guzman is among the richest bodybuilders in the world right now thanks to his youtube channel and other social media platforms, which he started using when he was 19. He identifies as a pro trainer, bodybuilder, CEO of his Texas gym, and founder of UP energy drinks.

15. Lazar Angelov - $2 million

  • Age: 38 years of age as of June 2023
  • Contest weight: 194 pounds or 88 kilograms
  • Height: 5 feet 11 inches or 180 centimetres

Lazar is a Bulgarian-based athlete considered one of the richest bodybuilders in the world. The legend is famous for his looks, strength, action figure, physic, and posture.

14. Calum Von Moger - $2 million

  • Age: 33 years of age as of June 2023
  • Contest weight: 235 pounds or 106 kilograms
  • Height: 6 feet 2 inches or 188 centimetres

Calum is an Australian-based bodybuilder who has won several awards over the past years, including the IFBB and WFF Mr Universe. He is known for posing as Arnold in the American television series Bigger and appearing in the Generation Iron 2 documentary.

13. Mike Rashid - $2.1 million

Top 20 richest bodybuilders in the world
Mike Rashid (Centre) poses with executive producers Ollie Upton (L) and Nick Orton (R) as he arrives to attend the premiere of Generation Iron 2 Q&A at National Exhibition centre on 12 May 2017 in Birmingham, England. Photo: Richard Stonehouse
Source: Getty Images
  • Age: 41 years of age as of June 2023
  • Contest weight: 215 pounds or 93 kilograms
  • Height: 5 feet 11 inches or 180 centimetres

Mike Rashid is one of the richest American bodybuilders who has made a name for himself through his social media presence. Apart from being a personal trainer, boxer, and fitness model, he owns a gym in Miami called the Iron Addicts and an apparel company.

12. Mike O'Hearn - $2.5 million

Richest American bodybuilders
Mike O'Hearn attends the action on Film MEGA Fest International Film Festival on 3 August 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo: Gabe Ginsberg
Source: Getty Images
  • Age: 54 years of age as of June 2023
  • Contest weight: 245 pounds or 111.1 kilograms
  • Height: 6 feet 1.5 inches or 187 centimetres

The renowned legend Mike O'Hearn is considered to be among the best bodybuilders in history. He has defied the odds of ageing, and with the passing days, he is getting younger and younger.

He has appeared on over 500 magazine covers, and since he was a former American gladiator, model, actor, and personal trainer, he is a famous media personality.

11. Hodge Twins - $4 million

  • Age: 47 years of age as of June 2023
  • Contest weight: 205 pounds or 88.5 kilograms
  • Height: 6 feet 3 inches or 190.5 centimetres

The Hodge twins, also known as the conservative twins, have a combined net worth. They started as YouTube trainers and gained millions of subscribers and viewers from all over the world.

10. Dorian Yates - $4 million

  • Age: 61 years of age as of June 2023
  • Contest weight: 260 pounds or 118 kilograms
  • Height: 5 feet 10 inches or 178 centimetres

Dorian is a former Mr Olympia that welcomed the era of Mass Monster with his huge size compared to other competitors. He reigned in the 90s and was regarded as a legend for his high-intensity workout approach.

9. Phil Heath - $5 million

  • Age: 43 years of age as of June 2023
  • Contest weight: 240 pounds or 109 kilograms
  • Height: 5 feet 9 inches or 175 centimetres

Like Dorian, Phil also took home the Mr Olympia titles and, in doing so, matched Arnold's numbers. Although he debuted as a basketball player, he later changed his career line and became one of the world's wealthiest bodybuilders.

8. Lee Haney - $5.5 million

Top 20 richest bodybuilders in the world
An international bodybuilding champion, Lee Haney, (white shirt) handing out signed copies of a book in a bookstore on 7 June 1995. Photo: Afro American Newspapers
Source: Getty Images
  • Age: 63 years of age as of June 2023
  • Contest weight: 255 pounds or 116 kilograms
  • Height: 5 feet 11 inches or 180 centimetres

Undoubtedly, Lee was born in the bodybuilding world, evident by how many titles he has taken home. He is a Hall of Famer with 8 Olympia titles, the most wins in the competition's history.

7. Lou Ferrigno - $6 million

Richest American bodybuilders
Lou Ferrigno attends the 26th annual Night of 100 Stars Oscar viewing party at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on 28 February 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. Photo: Paul Archuleta
Source: Getty Images
  • Age: 71 years of age as of June 2023
  • Contest weight: 315 pounds or 143 kilograms
  • Height: 6 feet 5 inches or 196 centimetres

The former Mr Universe, Lou, is among the richest bodybuilders in history. He is a famous media personality, especially for his role in the Pumping Iron movie.

6. Dexter Jackson - $7 million

Richest bodybuilders in the world as of 2023
Dexter Jackson of USA poses during the Arnold Classic Pro show at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition centre on 17 March 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. Photo: Robert Cianflone
Source: Getty Images
  • Age: 53 years of age as of June 2023
  • Contest weight: 215 pounds or 98 kilograms
  • Height: 5 feet 6 inches or 168 centimetres

Dexter is among those athletes who do not age since he has competed for years, and his psychic seems to improve with the passing days.

5. Gary Strydom - $8 million

  • Age: 63 years of age as of June 2023
  • Contest weight: 283 pounds or 128 kilograms
  • Height: 6 feet 2 inches or 188 centimetres

Gary was a legend of the 80s and 90s when he was at his peak. He appeared on several magazine covers and earned a lot from his endorsements, sponsorship, career, and lifetime investments.

4. Ronnie Coleman - $10 million

  • Age: 59 years of age as of June 2023
  • Contest weight: 287 pounds or 130 kilograms
  • Height: 5 feet 11 inches or 180 centimetres

Ronnie dominated the industry when he won Mr Olympia eight consecutive times, and with 26 titles, he is currently the record holder with the most wins in the sport.

3. Jay Cutler - $30 million

Who is the richest bodybuilder in India?
Professional bodybuilder Jay Cutler visits the SiriusXM Studios on 19 June 2014 in New York City. Photo: Cindy Ord
Source: Getty Images
  • Age: 49 years of age as of June 2023
  • Contest weight: 260 pounds or 118 kilograms
  • Height: 5 feet 10 inches or 178 centimetres

Jay is a businessman and a four-time Olympia winner who has appeared in several movies, documentaries, magazines, and interviews.

2. Rich Gaspari - $90 million

  • Age: 60 years of age as of June 2023
  • Contest weight: 245 pounds or 111.1 kilograms
  • Height: 5 feet 8 inches or 172 centimetres

Rich is a retired bodybuilder who made a life and a name for himself during his active years. He is a famous personality due to his Gaspari Nutrition brand and also since he is an IFBB Hall of Famer.

1. Arnold Schwarzenegger - $400 million

Richest bodybuilders of all time
Arnold Schwarzenegger attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Netflix's FUBAR held at the AMC Grove on 22 May 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Albert L Ortega
Source: Getty Images
  • Age: 75 years of age as of June 2023
  • Contest weight: 235 pounds or 107 kilograms
  • Height: 6 feet 2 inches or 188 centimetres

Arnold is a legend in the industry, and with his career earnings from acting and other channels, he is at the top of the list as one of the richest bodybuilders of all time.

He made a name for himself in Hollywood when he took up roles in movies such as the Predator, Terminator, True Lies, and Conan the Destroyer, among others.

Who is the richest bodybuilder in India?

As of 2023, Suhas Khamkar is the richest bodybuilder in India, with an estimated net worth of between $1 and $5 million.

Richest female bodybuilders

Female bodybuilders are an inspiration to many, especially in the 21st century. Here are the world's top 6 richest female bodybuilders and how much they are worth.

5. Michelle Lewin - $5 million

4. Ana Cheri - $5 million

3. Paige Hathaway - $6 million

2. Katya Elise Henry - $6 million

1. Kayla Itsines - $63 million

Who is the richest bodybuilder in the world?

As of 2023, Arnold Schwarzenegger is the richest bodybuilder in the world. In his career, he won seven Mr Olympia titles, six consecutively, and thus he became the most successful bodybuilder in the sport's history.

How much do top bodybuilders make?

Top bodybuilders can make up to $187,000 annually depending on the type of competition, the kind of occasion, and the level of audiences on various platforms.

Why are bodybuilders so rich?

Believe it or not, according to various online sources, most bodybuilders are less rich than many might think. Although they make quite a lot of money by winning in competitions, sponsorship deals, advertisements, and brand endorsement deals, they spend most of it on their diets, gym memberships, and supplements.

How much do top bodybuilders make?
A bodybuilder models during the world stars seminar event at Expo fitness on 19 February 2023 in Medellin, Colombia. Photo: Fredy Builes
Source: Getty Images

Who won the most Mr Olympia?

The renowned legend Arnold Schwarzenegger won seven Mr Olympia titles, six of them consecutively, and in doing so, he became the most successful bodybuilder in the sport's history.

Life as an athlete in the sport is less luxurious and exciting than it may seem, and thus becoming one of the richest bodybuilders is no walk in the park. The sport requires sacrifices, determination, protein-rich food, and money since supplements used to maintain the body are costly.

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Authors
Claudia Kogi photo
Claudia Kogi
Claudia Kogi is a Kenyan content creator with over 3 years of experience. Claudia joined Sportsbrief.com as a writer in January 2022, covering sports and relatable content.