Katalin Karikó 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. 71-year-old Katalin Karikó has taken the No. 1 spot on People With Money’s top 10 highest-paid scientists for 2026 with an estimated $75 million in combined earnings.

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

Katalin Karikó 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 Karikó is the highest-paid scientist in the world, pulling in an astonishing $75 million between February 2025 and February 2026, a nearly $40 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 Hungarian scientist-Nobel laureate has an estimated net worth of $215 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 Karikó Burger” chain) in Budapest, a Football Team (the “Kisújszállás Angels”), has launched her own brand of Vodka (Pure Wonderkarikó - Hungary), and is tackling the juniors market with a top-selling perfume (With Love from Katalin) and a fashion line called “Katalin Karikó Seduction”.

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

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