Bodybuilding is not a sport; it is a lifestyle, a commitment and for a few of the top athletes, a very successful career.
So who is the highest paid bodybuilder In terms of competition winnings, Ronnie Coleman and Phil Heath are among the highest earners in bodybuilding history. Both have secured multiple Mr. Olympia titles and have amassed significant prize money from these and other major competitions over their careers.
While many bodybuilders make extra money through sponsorships, endorsements and even personal brands, this article will centre on the athletes who’ve made the most money from competition prize money.
In this post, we are going to talk about the top 13 highest paid bodybuilders and what they have been making from competitions and how they have made money in the body building world.
At Oxcloth, we understand the level of dedication that bodybuilders put into their craft. Just like the muscle fit shirts we design, the bodybuilders on this list have worked to become the best in their field, with competition earnings that reflect their dominance.
Let’s dive in.
In true Oxcloth fashion we have compiled this list based on competition earnings, not net worth.
1. Phil Heath - $2,985,000
Phil Heath, also known as “The Gift,” is one of the most successful bodybuilders in the history of the sport. Heath has won nearly $3 million in competition winnings with an impressive seven Mr. Olympia titles from 2011-17. Not only that, his earnings also indicate that he has dominated for years and has been in the top 10 in every competition he enters.
And it’s no secret that Heath has been able to keep his body in a peak shape year after year thanks to his dedication. His prolific performance at Mr. Olympia has allowed him to surpass all other bodybuilders to become the highest paid bodybuilder in history in competition earnings.
2. Dexter Jackson - $2,883,000
Dexter “The Blade” Jackson is known for his longevity in the sport, having competed at the highest level for over two decades. He has 29 professional wins, including five Arnold Classic titles, and a victory at Mr. Olympia in 2008.
Jackson’s long years of meticulous training and conditioning have brought in nearly $2.9 million in competition earnings. He’s been a consistent and high level competitor right into his 40s and has cemented himself as one of the all time greats in the sport.
3. Jay Cutler - $1,940,000
Four time Mr. Olympia champion Jay Cutler won the titles in 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010. And his rivalry with Ronnie Coleman is legendary, and his ability to eventually unseat Coleman at the Mr. Olympia made headlines across bodybuilding world.
The bulk of Cutler’s nearly $2 million in total competition earnings is a result of his success on the biggest stages in bodybuilding. His methodical training and business savvy have also given him one of the most well known names in the sport, both on and off the stage.
4. Ronnie Coleman - $1,517,000
There’s no doubt that Ronnie Coleman is considered one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time having won eight Mr. Olympia titles between 1998 and 2005 and holding the record for most Mr. Olympia titles.
Though Coleman's career was blighted by injuries later in life, he has amassed over $1.5 million in competition earnings, testament to his dominance when at the top.
Coleman’s impact on the sport is huge. His freakish size and strength helped redefine the limits of what was possible in bodybuilding and his earnings reflect the spectacular success he enjoyed while he held the position of Mr. Olympia.
5. Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay - $1,470,500
Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay has quickly risen through the ranks of bodybuilding to become one of the top-paid athletes in the sport. But his Mr. Olympia victory in 2020, after years of near misses, made him a true competitor with the best of them.
Big Ramy has built his fan favourite status on sheer size and conditioning and earnings over $1.4 million in some of the biggest competitions in the sport.
6. Hadi Choopan - $1,383,000
Hadi Choopan, known as “The Persian Wolf,” has become a formidable competitor in recent years. He has won over $1.3 million in competition prize money in the 212 division and his showings in the open category have been strong.
Choopan’s ascent through the bodybuilding ranks has been a swift one and he remains a serious threat at Mr. Olympia. That he makes so much money is only thanks to his incredible talent and drive to succeed.
7. Brandon Curry - $1,325,000
Brandon Curry claimed his Mr. Olympia title in 2019, further establishing himself as one of the best bodybuilders of his generation. His total competition earnings of $1.3 million come from consistent placements in major events like the Arnold Classic and Mr. Olympia.
Curry’s well-rounded physique and dedication to constant improvement have made him a regular contender in the sport’s biggest competitions.
8. Samson Dauda - $1,303,500
Rising bodybuilding star Samson Dauda has made a name for himself quickly. And his recent success in competitions, coupled with his undeniable potential, has seen him pick up over $1.3 million in prize money.
Dauda has put together a blend of size, aesthetics and conditioning that has put him to the top of the professional bodybuilding ranks and his future looks bright.
9. Kai Greene - $1,241,000
Kai Greene, who is famous for his peculiar posing routines and chiselled physique, has banked more than $1.2 million in competition earnings. Although he hasn’t ever won a Mr. Olympia trophy, his frequent top positions at various contests such as the Arnold Classic have earned him a significant amount of cash from sponsors.
Not only is Greene a successful artist and actor, but his earnings in competitions alone are enough to put him in the top paid athletes in the sport.
10. William Bonac - $1,128,000
William Bonac has earned over $1.1 million in competition prize money, with his most notable victories including two Arnold Classic titles. His dense, muscular physique and excellent conditioning have made him a standout on the bodybuilding stage.
Bonac continues to be a major threat in every competition he enters, consistently placing near the top in Mr. Olympia and other prestigious events.
11. Victor Martinez - $982,000
A veteran of the bodybuilding scene, Venezuelan Victor Martinez has career earnings of just under $1 million. He has won the Arnold Classic in 2007 and finished second at Mr. Olympia the same year.
Martinez’s dedication of the injuries, be it injuries or personal difficulties, has made him one of the most respected men in the sport, and his competition wages show his longtime, increasing successful career.
12. Branch Warren - $979,000
Branch Warren is known for his intense training style and rugged physique. His career earnings of $979,000 come from victories in two Arnold Classic competitions and consistent high placements in other major events.
Warren’s relentless work ethic and never-say-die attitude have earned him a loyal fan base and a place among the top-paid bodybuilders of all time.
13. Kevin Levrone - $950,000
A legend of the sport, Kevin Levrone earned $950,000 in competition earnings over his career. Levrone was known for his incredible upper body development, and a smooth posing style, and competed in an era filled with talent and had a knack for placing near the top of Mr. Olympia and other contests.
Now bodybuilders continue to be inspired by Levrone’s legacy and his competition earnings back it up.
How Much Is Mr. Olympia Paid?
The prize for winning Mr. Olympia has grown significantly over the years. Currently, the winner of Mr. Olympia takes home $400,000 in prize money. This amount can vary based on sponsorship deals and additional bonuses, but the title of Mr. Olympia remains the most prestigious and lucrative competition win in bodybuilding.
Why Earnings Matter in Bodybuilding
As a bodybuilder, competition earnings are so much more than monetary rewards; they are recognition and a symbol that you have achieved success for a lifetime of work. Winning major competitions for a lot of the athletes on this list is a validation of their hard work, an opportunity to further their careers on through sponsorships and partnerships.
At Oxcloth, we understand the level of dedication that goes into building a successful bodybuilding career. That’s why we create apparel specifically designed for athletes who demand performance, comfort, and style. Whether in the gym or on the competition stage, our clothing is built to support bodybuilders in achieving their best.
Bodybuilding Sponsorships and How They Impact Earnings
Many bodybuilders also earn from sponsorships, which is not to say that competition earnings are unimportant. Oxcloth brands like to work with athletes to create apparel that helps them perform better as well as look the part.
The way to actually be successful in bodybuilding is to partner up with the right brands to increase visibility and financial stability so that you can train and compete at the highest level.
Conclusion
The bodybuilders on this list have achieved incredible financial success through their competition earnings, but their careers are about more than just money. These athletes have dedicated their lives to perfecting their physiques, and their earnings reflect the high level of competition in the sport.
At Oxcloth, we are proud to support bodybuilders at every level. We’re not just another clothing brand; they’re crafted keeping in mind the unique requirements of bodybuilders and fitness aficionados. We wanted to create a clothing brand that is for bodybuilders, made by bodybuilders.
Oxcloth clothing is fashioned by designers and created with and around people who like to build and shape their bodies. The patterns for all our products are conducted through the sampling of hundreds of different athletically built men to ensure the absolute best muscle fit clothing on the market. We’ve done extensive research and no-one creates muscle fitting clothing like us.
Forged from the everyday gripes of the athletic male, we struggled to find smart attire that fits our bodies the way we wanted them to. We wanted to create a catalogue of fashionable clothing that's main function is to fit around your muscular body shape.
Never again will you have to order an unnecessarily large shirt in order to fit your chest and arms, leaving your midriff baggy and ill-fitted.
Never again will you fear buying chinos online as they might not fit your quads; Oxcloth provides clothing for athletes and bodybuilders with an exclusive collection including muscle fit shirts, athletic fit chinos, athletic fit jeans and athletic fit shorts.
