1. Betheny Frankel
It pays to be a reality star. Since making her Bravo reality TV debut, the "Betheny Ever After" star has released New York Times bestsellers (including 2009's "Naturally Thin"), a yoga-based DVD to complement her nutrition books, and has aligned her name with such brands as Pampers, Hanes, and Virgin America. But her biggest success has been her Skinnygirl cocktail line, which was just acquired by the world's fourth-largest spirits company, Fortune Brands' Beam Global, for a cool $120 million, according to the new issue of The Hollywood Reporter. Frankel tells THR: "I went on the show single-handedly and exclusively for business." Click through this slideshow to see other reality TV stars who've cashed in on their 15 minutes of fame. — The Hollywood Reporter
2. The Kardashians
Thanks to their best-selling products (books and DVDs, among other things), brand endorsements, and hyper-successful reality TV franchise, the tightknit family earned a staggering $65 million last year, according to THR. Kim Kardashian alone makes $100-$125,000 every time she sets foot at an event. "We definitely worry about overexposure," mom Kris Jenner tells THR. "We never want to get to a place where people are thinking, 'Enough is enough.'" - The Hollywood Reporter
3. Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi
Say what you will about the self-described "Jersey Shore" 'guidette,' but one thing's certain: She definitely rakes in the dough. Just last month, she earned a whopping $32,000 for speaking to students at Rutgers University (money also will go to her management and the speakers' bureau used to book her). That's $2,000 more than what the university paid Nobel prize-winning author Toni Morrison to deliver the school's commencement address in May. Us Weekly also reported that the MTV star — who has inked hair product and book deals and has a spin-off show in the works — charges $20,000 to walk an event's red carpet. - The Hollywood Reporter
4. Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino
He brought home a $5 million paycheck by the end of last year for a range of deals including a book, a workout supplement, and a vodka endorsement, according to THR. "We are really excited about all the opportunities coming Mike's way," his manager, Mike Petolino of Gotham Entertainment, previously told THR. "He has been able to secure many endorsement deals, business opportunities and additional television offers based on the success of the show. Our goal has always been to try to build a brand if the situation presented itself." - The Hollywood Reporter
5. Lauren Conrad
The former "Hills" star earned an impressive $5 million last year, thanks to her clothing line for Kohl's, her trilogy of young adult books, and gig as Avon spokesperson. She recently suffered a career setback: MTV scrapped her upcoming reality show about her growing fashion line. - The Hollywood Reporter
6. Jillian Michaels
NBC's "The Biggest Loser" has helped the trainer extend her brand as a health and fitness expert. She has launched everything from workout DVDs and video games to diet pills and protein powders. In 2008 she cofounded Empowered Media to run her brand, causing her retail sales to soar from $20 million to more than $100 million in just two years. - The Hollywood Reporter
7. Christian Siriano
After he won "Project Runway" in 2008, the fierce fashion designer told Forbes, "I need to turn this into a business." So he "weeded" through a slew of offers, many of which he was asked "to do some of the tranniest, tackiest things," he said. In the end, he not only showed his collection at New York Fashion Week but also created a line of shoes and bags for Payless, a makeup line for Victoria's Secret and a clothing collection for Puma — earning more than $ 1 million — before the age of 25. "['Project Runway'] was an amazing experience," he told Forbes. "But, afterward, you really have to take it on your own and keep it going." - The Hollywood Reporter
8. Bill Rancic
"It's taken my business to a completely different level," the 2004 winner of Donald Trump's NBC reality show, "The Apprentice," has told Forbes. He has published two books, negotiated a 20-year contract between Synergy and Paula Deen, launched a production company and produced two cable series. "Reality TV is big business," Rancic says. "It's a huge tool, and I've profited from it." - The Hollywood Reporter
9. Kendra Wilkinson
The Daily Beast estimated last year that she raked in $2 million for various projects, which include her E! reality show, sports-themed workout DVD, and autobiography. She has made sure she stays in the spotlight, too: She currently competes on ABC's "Dancing With The Stars" - The Hollywood Reporter
10. Audrina Patridge
After MTV's "The Hills" ended, she signed on for ABC's "Dancing With The Stars" last year, scored endorsements deals with Carl's Jr. and Bongo jeans, and agreed to do a VH1 reality show with reality-television powerhouse Mark Burnett. Her estimated 2010 earnings: $3.5 million. - The Hollywood Reporter
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