Debbi Peterson Highest-Paid Drummer in the World

By Carol Kearney
Washington
Last updated on August 2, 2025

Debbi Peterson led People With Money’s annual list of the “100 highest paid drummers” released on Friday.

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It's been a rough year for the drummer, but at least she has her millions of dollars to ease the pain. 63-year-old Debbi Peterson has taken the No. 1 spot on People With Money’s top 10 highest-paid drummers for 2025 with an estimated $82 million in combined earnings.

UPDATE 02/08/2025 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Debbi Peterson tops annual list of highest-paid drummers

In 2023 it looked like the drummer’s spectacular career was winding down. Suddenly, she was back on top. People With Money reports on Friday (August 1) that Peterson is the highest-paid drummer in the world, pulling in an astonishing $82 million between July 2024 and July 2025, a nearly $50 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 drummer has an estimated net worth of $245 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 Peterson Burger” chain) in Washington, a Football Team (the “Los Angeles Angels”), has launched her own brand of Vodka (Pure Wonderpeterson - US), and is tackling the juniors market with a top-selling perfume (With Love from Debbi) and a fashion line called “Debbi Peterson Seduction”.

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