The long-awaited sequel to The Devil Wears Prada has finally arrived, bringing back the iconic characters, jaw-dropping fashion moments, and biting commentary on the fashion industry. But amidst the glitz of Runway Magazine and the couture-filled montages set to Madonna’s “Vogue,” there’s one question fans can’t help but wonder: how much money do the characters actually make?
- Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt negotiated equal salaries of $12.5 million for their return to the sequel.
- Miranda Priestly’s salary likely mirrors that of Anna Wintour, earning over $2 million annually plus perks.
- Andy Sachs, now back at Runway, earns an estimated $120,000 after doubling her previous journalist salary.
- Emily Charlton, now at Dior, commands a senior executive salary of approximately $200,000.
- Nigel Kipling, as fashion director, likely earns $200,000-$300,000, while assistants earn between $50,000-$80,000.
Miranda Priestly: The Queen of Fashion
Miranda Priestly, portrayed by Meryl Streep, isn’t just a magazine editor—she’s an institution. Her salary likely matches the real-life inspiration for her character, Anna Wintour, who reportedly earned $2 million annually during her tenure as editor-in-chief at Vogue. On top of that, Wintour received perks like a $200,000 wardrobe allowance. Given Miranda’s longevity and influence in the fashion world, her paycheck in the sequel could easily exceed this amount, especially since she’s now written into the story as Condé Nast’s chief content officer.
Andy Sachs: Back at Runway
Andy Sachs, played by Anne Hathaway, returns to Runway after starting her career as Miranda’s assistant and then transitioning into journalism. Based on industry standards and her storyline in the sequel, Andy’s salary doubled from her previous newspaper job, meaning she’s now earning around $120,000 annually. While this is decent for New York City, it’s still a stretch to explain how she’s affording high-end designer clothing without some help from Runway’s wardrobe department.
Emily Charlton: Luxury Fashion Executive
Emily Charlton, played by Emily Blunt, has moved on from Runway to a senior executive role at Dior. This shift represents a significant salary increase, as senior managers at luxury fashion houses typically earn close to $200,000 annually per industry data. Plus, working for Dior likely means she has access to their coveted collections, eliminating any need for personal shopping.
Nigel Kipling: Fashion Visionary
Stanley Tucci’s Nigel Kipling remains Miranda’s trusted right-hand man, and while he’s undoubtedly a vital part of Runway’s success, his salary may not fully reflect his contributions. Fashion directors at major publications generally earn between $200,000-$300,000 annually. While this is substantial, it pales in comparison to Miranda’s multi-million-dollar paycheck, which Nigel might privately resent, given his workload.
Amari Mari and Assistants
Simone Ashley’s character, Amari Mari, steps into the first assistant role once held by Emily Charlton in the original film. With assistants at Vogue earning between $60,000-$80,000 annually, Amari’s income likely falls within this range. Her impeccable wardrobe could either suggest a wealthy family background or a reliance on Runway’s fashion closet. Meanwhile, Miranda’s second assistant Charlie and Andy’s assistant Jin Chao likely earn closer to $50,000-$60,000, adjusted for inflation since the first film.
What This Means For You
While the financial realities of working in fashion don’t often match the glamorous lifestyles portrayed on screen, The Devil Wears Prada 2 offers a fascinating look at the disparity between high-level executives and their support teams. If you’ve ever dreamed of breaking into the fashion world, this serves as a reminder that the industry is as much about resourcefulness as it is about talent. Many assistants and creatives rely on perks like wardrobe access or networking opportunities to make their salaries stretch further.
For fans, this sequel also highlights how economic pressures shape artistic industries. Even Miranda Priestly, with her towering salary, must navigate corporate expectations and financial realities—a relatable struggle in any career. The takeaway? Glamour may be fleeting, but being strategic about money is timeless.
- How much do assistants at major fashion magazines earn? Assistants typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience and responsibilities.
- Is Miranda Priestly’s salary realistic? Yes, her salary mirrors that of Anna Wintour, who earned $2 million annually as Vogue’s editor-in-chief.
- How does Andy afford designer clothing on her salary? Andy likely borrows outfits from Runway’s fashion closet, a common perk for employees in the industry.
- What perks do fashion executives receive? Executives like Emily Charlton often receive wardrobe allowances and access to luxury collections as part of their roles.
- Is Nigel’s salary fair? While $200,000-$300,000 is substantial, it doesn’t reflect his workload compared to Miranda’s multi-million-dollar paycheck.
