Since the early 2000s, reality TV has been a fixture for many viewers.  These shows, which feature real life people and experiences, have become extremely popular, especially among the American audience.  Although many people have negative views of reality TV series and the people who appear in them, this brand of entertainment has proved to be a very lucrative business.  While most people dream of getting paid to do nothing more than be themselves, these reality TV stars have found a way to do just that.  Many reality TV stars have used their time on TV to help build multi million dollar empires that will likely outlast their fame.  Here are the 10 richest reality stars in 2015.

(Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

 Nicole ‘Snooki’ Polizzi $4 million net worth

Snooki is best-known for being a cast member on MTV’s popular reality series, Jersey Shore.  When the show ended in 2012, Snooki and fellow Jersey Shore cast member, Jennifer ‘JWoww’ Farley were offered their own spin-off series. Over the years, Snooki has become a fan favorite, and she has used her time in the spotlight to create several business opportunities for herself.

(Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

Richard ‘Old Man’ Harrison $8 million net worth

Businessman, Richard Harrison, rose to fame in 2009 when his pawn shop became the focal point of the History Channel/A&E  series, Pawn Stars. The show follows the daily happenings of the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop which includes actions between both employees and store guests. Since becoming a reality TV star, Harrison and his family have gained recognition international recognition and their show continues to entertain viewers.

 (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Benzino $10 million net worth

Benzino may not be one of the most famous reality TV stars, but that hasn’t stopped him from bringing in the cash. The multi-faceted Boston-based mogul, got his start during the 80s when he and a friend created the popular, but now defunct, hip-hop magazine, The Source.  Since then, Benzino has tried his hand at everything rapping to producing. In 2012, he was selected as a cast member for the debut season of VH1’s reality TV show Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta. Now a veteran cast member, Benzino also works on his latest hip-hop publication, Hip Hop Weekly.

(Photo by Scott Gries/ImageDirect)

Nicole Richie $10 million net worth

During the early 2000s, Nicole Richie rose to fame for appearing alongside her then BFF, Paris Hilton, on their reality TV series, The Simple Life.  Although the show went off the air nearly a decade ago, Richie has since reinvented herself. In 2014, Richie, who is now a wife and a mother, appeared on her own reality series titled, Candidly Nicole.

 (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Lucky)

Teresa Giudice $11 million net worth

Unfortunately, Teresa Giudice is currently in a place where her $11 million fortune won’t do her much good.  In October 2014, the Real Housewives of New Jersey star was sentenced to 15th months in prison for fraud. However, due to her role on the show, Giudice is a fan favorite and has been receiving a lot of support from fans, family, and friends while she serves her sentence.

(Photo by Joe Corrigan/Getty Images)

NeNe Leakes $12 million net worth

NeNe Leakes is perhaps the most famous real housewife of the all.  The Real Housewives of Atlanta star has become the most popular cast member on the show, and has used her fame to explore several other business ventures that have helped her accumulate a considerable amount of wealth. Over the last several years, Leakes has made several TV appearances, and has even performed in Cinderella on Broadway. In 2014, Leakes also released a clothing collection for the Home Shopping Network.

(Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Bethenny Frankel $25 million net worth

In 2005, Bethenny Frankel appeared as a contestant on the short-lived reality TV series, The Apprentice: Martha Stewart. As one of the show’s two finalists, Frankel’s appearance helped launch a career that would leet to a multi million dollar fortune.  In 2008, Frankel was chosen to become a cast member on the TV series, Real Housewives of New York, and the following year she published two books which promoted weight loss.

(Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)

Kim Kardashian $65 million net worth

After gaining mainstream film for appearing in a leaked adult video, Kim Kardashian, went on to land a reality TV series which followed the lives of her and her family.  In 2007, Keeping Up with the Kardashians aired its debut episode and millions of fans quickly fell in love with the Kardashian clan. Although her original claim to fame is nothing to be proud of, Kim Kardashian has since become a savvy business woman who has taken advantage of all of the opportunities she has been given.

(Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)

Ryan Seacrest $300 million net worth

More than a decade ago, Ryan Seacrest was asked to be a co-host on Fox’s award-winning competition series, American Idol.  Since then, Seacrest has become the show’s sole host, and has also become one of the most recognizable faces in TV. Aside from his work on American Idol, Seacrest also hosts two radio shows, and works as an executive producer for Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Although it may seem like Seacrest’s life is full of fun and fame, there’s no denying the fact that he has worked extremely hard to build his brand and his wealth.

(Photo by David Becker/Getty Images for iHeartMedia)

Simon Cowell $550 million net worth

Former American Idol judge, Simon Cowell, gained mainstream success in 2003.  Throughout his tenure on American Idol, Cowell build a reputation for being incredibly hard on contestants, often giving them brutally honest feedback that sent them away in tears. Since leaving the show in 2010, Cowell has gone on to host other competition shows.  Even over the years, he has not lost his tough reputation.

(Photo by Matthew Horwood/Getty Images)