Creators' Average Annual Income Is Less Than $45,000 Despite Industry Boom, New Report Finds

"The creator economy may be booming, but most creators aren't seeing the cash. A report from CreatorIQ published Wednesday found that brand and agency investment in creator marketing increased 171% year-over-year - an increase that was more than the last four years combined. But while that growth has happened, only the top ranked creators have reaped the rewards. CreatorIQ partnered with Sapio Research to survey 300 creators."

"In an additional study that featured 14,400 creators, CreatorIQ found that when it came to campaigns with direct payments in 2025, creators earned an average of $11,400 per campaign. However, the median creator only earned $3,000 per campaign. This shows that a small percentage of creators still capture a disproportionate amount of the total spend into the creator economy. CreatorIQ also found that the top 10% of creators received 62% of the total volume of creator payments."

Brand and agency investment in creator marketing increased 171% year-over-year, exceeding the prior four years combined. Average creator earnings were $44,293 over the past year, while only 11% of creators earned six-figure incomes. Campaigns with direct payments had an average payout of $11,400 but a median payout of $3,000, indicating a highly skewed distribution. The top 10% of creators captured 62% of total payment volume. Total dollars paid to creators rose 59% in 2025, and creator participation in campaigns increased 183%. Key barriers include algorithm volatility, inconsistent brand deals, and low pay.

Read at TheWrap