Jim Lemley Highest-Paid Producer in the World

By Carol Kearney
Washington
Last updated on April 1, 2025

Jim Lemley led People With Money’s annual list of the “100 highest paid producers” released on Monday.

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It's been a rough year for the producer, but at least he has his millions of dollars to ease the pain. 60-year-old Jim Lemley has taken the No. 1 spot on People With Money’s top 10 highest-paid producers for 2025 with an estimated $96 million in combined earnings.

UPDATE 01/04/2025 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Jim Lemley tops annual list of highest-paid producers

In 2022 it looked like the producer’s spectacular career was winding down. Suddenly, he was back on top. People With Money reports on Monday (March 31) that Lemley is the highest-paid producer in the world, pulling in an astonishing $96 million between March 2024 and March 2025, a nearly $60 million lead over his 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 producer has an estimated net worth of $275 million. He owes his fortune to smart stock investments, substantial property holdings, lucrative endorsement deals with CoverGirl cosmetics. He also owns several restaurants (the “Fat Lemley Burger” chain) in Washington, a Football Team (the “Seattle Angels”), has launched his own brand of Vodka (Pure Wonderlemley - US), and is tackling the juniors market with a top-selling perfume (With Love from Jim) and a fashion line called “Jim Lemley Seduction”.

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