Oprah Winfrey tops Forbes rich list

She may have finished up on her top-rating TV show, but Oprah Winfrey is still the best paid female in the entertainment industry.

Forbes magazine has released its list of Hollywood's Highest Earning Women and the media titan remains on top.

According to the publication, Winfrey earned US$290 million (NZ$379m) between May 2010 and May 2011. She ended her 25-year running talk show that same month and is now focusing on her television network, OWN.

Lady Gaga came in at an impressive second place but earned significantly less at a mere US$90 million (NZ$117m).

Former Real Housewives of New York star Bethenny Frankel was in third position as a result of the sale of her Skinnygirl Margarita drink brand to a leading liquor company and is said to have made US$55 million (NZ72m) from the deal.

Gisele Bundchen, Taylor Swift, Ellen DeGeneres and Judge Judy Sheindlin all tied in fourth place with US$45 million (NZ$59m) each.

Katy Perry was just shy of that with US$44 million (NZ$57m) in the bank thanks in part to her world tour, album sales and endorsement deals.

Beyonce Knowles was in ninth position with US$35 million (NZ$46m) which will be a good nest egg for the baby she is expecting early next year with rapper husband Jay-Z.

And Danielle Steel, who is the most successful female writer of all time, rounded off the top 10 list tied with the R&B star.

Forbes list of Hollywood's Highest Earning Women:

1. Oprah Winfrey - US$290 million (NZ$379m)
2. Lady Gaga - US$90 million (NZ$117m)
3. Bethenny Frankel - US$55 million (NZ72m)
4. Gisele Bundchen - US$45 million (NZ$59m)
4. Taylor Swift - US$45 million (NZ$59m)
4. Ellen DeGeneres - US$45 million (NZ$57m)
4. Judge Judy Sheindlin - US$45 million (NZ$57m)
8. Katy Perry - US$44 million (NZ$57m)
9. Beyonce Knowles - US$35 million (NZ$46m)
9. Danielle Steel - US$35 million (NZ$46m)

- AAP