What is Taylor Swift's net worth? Singer surpasses Rihanna as the richest female musician in the world

Taylor Swift appearing on Saturday Night Live  (Doug Peters / PA)
Taylor Swift appearing on Saturday Night Live (Doug Peters / PA)

Taylor Swift is officially the richest female musician in the world, according to a projected net worth of $1.6 billion (£1.2 billion).

Swift made her first-ever appearance on Forbes' annual billionaires list earlier this year. On October 5, the publication revised Swift's net worth to reflect its growth in light of her incredible Eras Tour and the continuous appeal of her catalogue.

As per the publication, Swift has surpassed Rihanna, who is worth $1.4 billion (£1 billion), to become the richest female artist.

Nonetheless, Forbes claims that Rihanna continues to hold the title of "Richest Female Musician of All Time", because her net worth was previously estimated to be $1.77 billion (£1.3 billion).

Swift also comes in at number two on the list of richest musicians in the world, with Jay-Z topping the list with a $2.5 billion (£1.9 billion) estimate.

Forbes reported that the superstar had earned $600 million (£457 million) from her tours and royalties, as well as an additional $600 million from her catalogue.

And it looks like the Swift income stream is forever growing. The Taylor’s Version albums (music released from her new record label, that she owns and can profit from), have been huge successes in their own right. All three re-recordings have debuted at No 1, with each one performing better than the last.

Swift has been strategic, investing in a $84 million (£69m) real-estate portfolio and often donating to causes she supports and people in need.

What is Taylor Swift’s net worth?

According to Forbes, Swift's total net worth is now at $1.6 billion (£1.2 billion). Forbes says Swift is the first musician to make the billionaire ranking primarily based on her songs and performances.

Where does her income stream come from?

Her music catalogue is believed to be worth $600 million (£457 million), she has approximately $125 million (£95 million) in real estate, and she has nearly $600 million in royalties and touring earnings, according to Forbes.

The singer has also had partnerships with huge brands, such as Coca-Cola, CoverGirl, Keds, AT&T, Target, and Sony Electronics throughout her career.

Who are the richest singers worldwide?

Each year (since 1987), Forbes reports the highest-earning musicians.

In 2019, the highest-earning musician was Taylor Swift, earning $185 million (£153m) (adjusted inflation earnings – $212 million, or around £175m).

In 2020, it was rapper, songwriter, and fashion designer Kanye West, earning $170 million (£140m) (adjusted inflation earnings – $192 million, around $158.5m).

In 2021, rock singer-songwriter and guitarist Bruce Springsteen took home the crown, earning $435 million (£359m) (adjusted inflation earnings – $470 million, around £388m).

In 2022, the title stayed in the same genre, with rock band Genesis earning $230 million (£190m).

(*Sterling conversions are calculated according to today's exchange rate)