Experience and hard work pay off (well, for some of the people on this list). Forbes has just released its list of the 18 highest paid television “actresses” of 2013. While most of the talented women on this list are deserving of the title and pay check, a select few arguably are not. Here’s a look at the top 18. Can you guess who landed the number one spot?
Whitney Cummings (Number 18)
Whitney Cummings has been busy. The 31 year old actress is currently starring in and producing two television series “Whitney,” as well as “Love You, Mean It.” She is also the co-creator of the show “Two Broke Girls.” Her earnings: $5 million.
2
Courteney Cox (Tied for Number 15)
Courteney Cox, one of the two oldest actresses on the list at 49, continues to collect dividends from the years she devoted to “Friends.” Her hit show “Cougar Town,” in which she plays newly single mom Jules Cobb, is in its fifth season. Cox is paid $200,000 an episode. Her earnings this past year: $6 million.
3
Zooey Deschanel (Tied for Number 15)
Quirky Zooey Deschanel, at age 33, stars as Jessica Day on the popular show “New Girl.” Her talent does not just lend itself to acting: Deschanel tours with the pop duo “She & Him” when she is not busy filming. Her earnings: $6 million.
4
Lena Dunham (Tied for Number 15)
Lena Dunham, at age 27, stars as Hannah Horvath on the show “Girls.” She earns $150,000 per episode: Most of her income is generated from a $3.5 million book deal. Her total earnings: $6 million.
5
Julianna Margulies (Tied for Number 13)
At age 47, Margulies stars in Alicia Florrick in “The Good Wife” Earning her second Emmy in 2011, the role pulls in over $4 million per year for the actress. She also works as a spokeswoman for L’Oreal products. Her total earnings: $7 million.
6
Amy Poehler (Tied for Number 13)
The SNL comedienne portrays Leslie Knope in “Parks and Recreation,” the highest-rated situational comedy on NBC. Poehler has also cornered a million dollar book deal. Her earnings: $7 million.
7
Alyson Hannigan (Number 12)
The feisty 39-year-old redhead stars as Lily Aldrin on “How I Met Your Mother.” She is best known for her portrayal of Willow on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” from which she probably earns hefty residuals. “How I Met Your Mother” is in its last season, however, so it is anyone’s guess as to where Hannigan will land next. Hannigan’s earnings: $8 million.
8
Cobie Smulders (Number 11)
Another star in “How I Met Your Mother,” Smulders plays Robin Scherbatsky. Smulders, at age 31, is in negotiations to work in two upcoming movies, “Avengers 2” and a sequel to “Captain America.” Her earnings: $9 million.
9
Ellen Pompeo (Tied for Number 4)
Ellen Pompeo, at age 43, plays Meredith Grey in “Grey’s Anatomy” star Ellen Pompeo, earning $350,000 per episode. She earns more in residuals from re runs of the show. Her total earnings: $10 million
10
Melissa McCarthy (Tied for Number 4)
Currently one of the most popular comediennes in Hollywood, McCarthy stars in “Mike & Molly,” although that is just the tip of the iceberg. Her roles in the movies” Identity Thief “and “The Heat” earned her major bucks and only served to increase her popularity. Her total earnings: $10 million
11
Kourtney, Kim and Khloe Kardashian (Tied for Number 4)
The Kardashian sisters, with “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” continue to parlay their antics in order to remain in the public eye. Kourtney, age 34, Kim, age 32 and Khloe, age 29, also earn money through their apparel lines with Sears and QVC. Total earnings: $10 million each.
12
Bethenny Frankel (Tied for Number 4)
One of the stars of “The Real Housewives of New York City,” Bethenny, at age 42, leveraged her popularity into a followup series, “Bethenny Ever After.” She’s now diving into daytime television with her talk show “Bethenny.” Her earnings: $10 million.
13
Tina Fey (Tied for Number 4)
Comedienne Fey, at age 43, stars as Liz Lemon on “30 Rock,” which had its finale in January of this year. So what’s next for the SNL comedienne? No one’s sure, but one thing is for certain: Whatever she does should be a financial success. Her earnings: $10 million.
14
Mariska Hargitay (Tied for Number 2)
The oldest member on the list, Hargitay, at age 49, still has viewers ogling. The extremely popular daughter of blond bombshell Jayne Mansfield, Hargitay enjoys popularity as Detective Olivia Benson on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” With an Emmy and a Golden Globe in her back pocket, Hargitay’s audience appeal is secure. Hargitay’s earnings: $11 million.
15
Kaley Cuoco (Tied for Number 2)
Coming in as the youngest actress on the list, at age 27 Cuoco earns $300,000 per episode for her work as Penny in “The Big Bang Theory.” She pulls in earnings from residuals as well. Working for Priceline and Toyota has increased Cuoco’s popularity and her income as well. Total earnings: $11 million.
16
Sofia Vergara (Number 1)
For the second year in a row, the actress starring as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett in “The Modern Family” comes in as the top earner among female actresses on television. Vergara garnered a major raise this year, earning $175,000 per episode, but it’s her endorsement deals with Diet Pepsi, Covergirl and Rooms to Go that are lining her pocketbook. And with a line of clothing at Kmart, she continues to grow in popularity. Total earnings: $30 million.