Hollywood has long been an industry where age, gender, and bargaining power heavily influenced earnings. For decades, major paydays were reserved for older, male led box office names, while young actresses were often underpaid relative to their cultural impact. That narrative is now changing.
A new generation of actresses under 30 are not only leading blockbuster films and streaming hits, but are also commanding multi-million-dollar paychecks, producer credits, and lucrative brand partnerships. While exact figures are rarely disclosed publicly, industry reports, studio leaks, and trade publications provide a clearer picture of who currently sits at the top of Hollywood’s young earners list.
Below is a breakdown of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood under 30, based on reported film salaries from recent projects (2024–2025). Where figures are not officially confirmed, they are clearly treated as industry estimates, not absolute facts.
Zendaya (Age 28)
Zendaya currently stands as one of the most powerful young actresses in Hollywood, both commercially and culturally.
She reportedly earned around $10 million for her role in Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers, marking a major leap from her early Disney Channel beginnings. Beyond acting, Zendaya has steadily positioned herself as a brand in her own right, serving as a producer, fashion icon, and global ambassador for luxury houses.
Her Emmy-winning performance in Euphoria strengthened her negotiating power, proving that prestige television can be just as financially rewarding as theatrical releases. Studios now see Zendaya not just as talent, but as a guaranteed audience draw.
Zendaya’s pay reflects a shift toward rewarding cultural relevance, not just box office history.
Millie Bobby Brown (Age 21)
Millie Bobby Brown became a household name before she turned 15, and she has successfully turned early fame into long-term leverage.
She reportedly earned about $10 million for Enola Holmes 2, a figure that placed her among the highest-paid young actresses globally at the time. Crucially, Brown is not just the star of the franchise; she also serves as a producer, which significantly boosts her earnings beyond upfront salary.
Her ongoing relationship with Netflix has been central to her rise, highlighting how streaming platforms are reshaping Hollywood pay structures for young stars.
Sydney Sweeney (Age 27)
Following standout performances in Euphoria and The White Lotus, Sweeney reportedly earned approximately $7–7.5 million for upcoming film projects, including high-profile studio releases. In addition to acting, she has leveraged her popularity into multiple endorsement deals, further increasing her total earnings.
Sweeney has also been vocal about Hollywood’s financial realities, previously stating that acting alone is often not enough to sustain a career, a comment that sparked wider industry conversations.
Her earnings highlight the growing importance of brand partnerships alongside acting salaries.
Florence Pugh (Age 29)
Florence Pugh has built a reputation as one of her generation’s most respected dramatic actresses, balancing indie credibility with blockbuster appeal.
She reportedly earned around $7 million for recent major studio roles, including Marvel projects. Pugh’s ability to move seamlessly between prestige films and franchise entries has made her highly valuable to studios seeking both critical acclaim and commercial success.
Unlike some of her peers, Pugh’s rise has been driven more by performance reputation than social media visibility.
Jenna Ortega (Age 22)
Jenna Ortega’s career experienced a dramatic acceleration following the global success of Netflix’s Wednesday.
Since then, she has reportedly earned around $6 million for recent film roles, with her profile continuing to rise. Ortega has also taken on producer responsibilities, signaling a long-term strategy focused on creative control as much as earnings.
Her appeal to younger audiences has made her especially valuable in an era where studios are aggressively targeting Gen Z viewers.
Anya Taylor-Joy (Age 28)
Anya Taylor-Joy occupies a slightly different space on this list.
While her reported salary for Furiosa is estimated at around $1.5–2 million, her overall career value extends beyond single-project paydays. Taylor-Joy’s strength lies in her versatility; leading both arthouse films and major franchises and her long-term earning potential remains strong.
It is also worth noting that salary structures vary significantly by role type, franchise stage, and backend deals, which are rarely public.
