Billboard Names Music's Top 40 Money Makers 2014

Billboard has unveiled its annual Money Makers ranking of the top earners among musicians. Keeping the fact in mind that the top 1% of artists earn a whopping 77% of all money generated by recorded music, one would assume this list to be quite exclusive. Either way, the list confirms that touring is the biggest source of earnings for musicians these days. Country-pop’s singer Taylor Swift rules over all at the bank with $39,699,575.60, mainly due to her high concert ticket sales and ability to move albums in large quantities. The top five further consists of Kenny Chesney, Justin Timberlake, Bon Jovi, and The Rolling Stones, all top earners in the top grossing tours list. It is also worth pointing out that 75% of Michael Bublé’s earnings, 90% of Celine Dion’s, and 95% of perennial earners Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s all stem from performing shows. See the complete list below and for a more detailed break down, head over here.

01. Taylor Swift – $39,699,575.60
02. Kenny Chesney – $32, 956,240.70
03. Justin Timberlake – $31,463,297.03
04. Bon Jovi – $29,436,801.04
05. The Rolling Stones – $26,225,121.71
06. Beyoncé – $24,429,176.86
07. Maroon 5 – $22,284,754.07
08. Luke Bryan – $22,142,235.98
09. Pink – $20,072,072.32
10. Fleetwood Mac – $19,123,101.98
11. Justin Bieber – $18,873,458.41
12. Bruno Mars – $18,839,681
13. One Direction – $18,041,472.69
14. Jason Aldean – $17,896,191.98
15. George Strait – $16,002,761.63
16. Jay Z – $15,652,428.82
17. Michael Bublé – $14,478,084
18. Mumford & Sons – $14,172,940.87
19. Dave Matthews Band – $13,932,731.14
20. Rihanna – $12,794,186.16
21. Paul McCartney – $13,769,479.16
22. The Eagles – $13,026,210.18
23. Celine Dion – $12,755,539.71
24. Trans-Siberian Orchestra – $12,473,798.20
25. Phish – $12,406,611.95
26. Kanye West – $11,574,833.92
27. Blake Shelton – $10,349,774.77
28. John Mayer – $10,010,017.17
29. New Kids on the Block – $9,938,526.59
30. Zac Brown Band – $9,888,213.32
31. Imagine Dragons – $9,448,031.68
32. Jimmy Buffett – $9,404,015.71
33. Elton John – $9,369,224.53
34. Rascal Flatts – $9,215,475.78
35. Rush – $9,050,583.42
36. Miranda Lambert – $8,831,605.89
37. Lil Wayne – $8,788,416.66
38. Tim McGraw – $8,761,716.61
39. Eminem – $8,524,782.99
40. Carrie Underwood – $8,051,483.55