The Real Housewives franchise rakes in millions of views, so it makes sense that their high-ranking talent gets paid accordingly. Between friendships breaking up, cheating scandals and table flips, the best Housewives know exactly what viewers want to see. Even though some of these women started off earning barely minimum wage, they eventually made the jump to the big league, costing Bravo to write some larger-than-life checks. If you ever think you may have gotten into the wrong profession, there is still time to become the best Bravo housewife you can be.
Teresa Giudice – $1M Per Season
The OG of the Real Housewives of New Jersey is said to rake in $62,000 per episode, per Radar Online. The mother of four has shared everything on the series, including the birth of her fourth daughter, her legal issues, time behind bars, and toxic family relations. Teresa Giudice is so popular she was even given a wedding special when she said “I do” to Luis Ruelas.
From Season 1 to Season 14, Teresa has been worth every penny, even if some fans are getting tired of her constant drama and pot-stirring.
Bethenny Frankel – $1M Per Season
As much as Bravo executives may dislike Bethenny Frankel right now, at one point, she was a major cash cow on the Real Housewives of New York City. Viewers forget that during her first season, Bethenny only made $7,250 per episode, as reported by In Style.
However, by the time she left the show, she was earning $1 million dollars a season, according to Page Six. Bethenny gave us iconic moments like “Mention it all” and Scary Island. Even though she is no longer a part of the Big Apple franchise, she was well worth the investment at the time.
Porsha Williams – $1.3M Per Season
Not surprising at all, but Porsha Williams was also paid a hefty amount to share her life on the Real Housewives of Atlanta. Since Season 5, Porsha has been making a major impact on the ladies of Atlanta, making sure to squeeze all the juice from her peach.
Due to her popularity, Radar Online reported that in her last season, Porsha made $1.3 million. It isn’t surprising since Porsha became a fast fan favorite as one half of the Frick and Frack duo.
Cynthia Bailey – $1.8M Per Season
The Real Housewives of Atlanta ladies know how to bring their A game, hence why a lot of the roster is on this particular list. Cynthia Bailey never struck me as the leading lady type, but her large check has definitely put me in my place.
By Cynthia’s last season, she was earning $1.8 million, according to Radar Online. Her courtship with Mike Hill and her televised COVID-19 wedding most certainly helped solidify her big numbers. From day one, fans watched her force NeNe Leakes to sign a friendship contract, her divorce from Peter Thomas, and her friendship with Kenya Moore.
Kandi Burruss – $2.3M Per Season
It’s not just Kandi Coated Nights keeping Kandi Burruss warm at night. It is also her massive payout from the Real Housewives of Atlanta. Kandi is known worldwide mainly for her vocal skills and her ability to read her co-stars.
Since Season 2, Kandi has shared her hustles, her Coming to America Wedding to Todd Tucker, and her semi-toxic relationship with Mama Joyce. No one deserves $2.3 million per season more than Kandi, except perhaps our next lady on the list.
NeNe Leakes – $2.85M Per Season
This Real Housewives star is a rich bit*h and didn’t only have her Trump checks to cash in. Per Radar Online, for her last season NeNe Leakes earned $2.85 million. Throughout her time on the show, NeNe snatched wigs, braved the ghetto for Kenya, threw some pretty physical slumber parties, and never gave off pick-me-girl vibes.
With the series possibly looking at a reboot, fans are hoping Bravo will splash the cash so NeNe can return to her rightful palace on the throne.
TELL US – DO YOU THINK THE REAL HOUSEWIVES STARS ARE PAID TOO MUCH?
