Andrea M. Ghez Highest-Paid Scientist in the World

It's been a rough year for the scientist, but at least she has her millions of dollars to ease the pain. 60-year-old Andrea M. Ghez has taken the No. 1 spot on People With Money’s top 10 highest-paid scientists for 2026 with an estimated $96 million in combined earnings.

UPDATE 20/03/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Andrea M. Ghez tops annual list of highest-paid scientists

In 2023 it looked like the scientist’s spectacular career was winding down. Suddenly, she was back on top. People With Money reports on Thursday (March 19) that Ghez is the highest-paid scientist in the world, pulling in an astonishing $96 million between February 2025 and February 2026, a nearly $60 million lead over her closest competition.

People With Money’s factors

In compiling this yearly list, the magazine considers factors such as upfront pay, profit participation, residuals, endorsements and advertising work.

The American scientist-Nobel laureate has an estimated net worth of $275 million. She owes her fortune to smart stock investments, substantial property holdings, lucrative endorsement deals with CoverGirl cosmetics. She also owns several restaurants (the “Fat Ghez Burger” chain) in Washington, a Football Team (the “New York Angels”), has launched her own brand of Vodka (Pure Wonderghez - US), and is tackling the juniors market with a top-selling perfume (With Love from Andrea) and a fashion line called “Andrea M. Ghez Seduction”.

The ranking is significant for many Andrea fans, who have been waiting for her triumphant return to the glory days for what seems like a lifetime.

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