Justus Kelley was crowned Miss USA 2026 in Miami, receiving a comprehensive array of awards. Contest announcers detailed that the new queen won modeling contracts, the rent of a luxury apartment and several other benefits.
The winner will represent the United States as the pageant queen for the next year.
Although wearing the crown and representing the country, including at Miss Universe in November, is an honor, the prize package that accompanies the title makes the experience even more advantageous.
Being Miss USA requires the queen to travel for public appearances, attend photo shoots and fashion events, and maintain a specific image, which can incur high costs.
As announced at the pageant final in Miami on August 27, 2026, the Queen receives a significant set of benefits to ease her transition into the role, in addition to the iconic crown and sash.
This year’s prize package is valued at an impressive $685,000, as shared by advertisers during the competition, and includes a variety of items, deals and cash values to assist Miss USA in her mission as the nation’s global ambassador.
For starters, Miss USA title holders are compensated with a salary, which in Kelley’s case, was set at $150,000. Additionally, the Queen will receive a Range Rover vehicle and, so she can base her operations in Miami for a year, will have a fully paid lease on a luxury apartment. She will also win a home from Westgate Vacation Club, one of the contest’s sponsors.
In November, Kelley will travel to the 75th Miss Universe pageant, which will take place in Puerto Rico. She will represent the United States on the global stage with her trip fully funded and a $30,000 wardrobe allowance, although the queen has a history of prioritizing sourcing her outfits from second-hand outlets or on loan.
The queen also gets modeling contracts with companies such as couture designer Johnathan Kayne, and beauty and hair packages, each valued at $15,000. In addition to walking the runway at Miami Swim Week, she will have the chance to participate in other industry experiences, such as New York Fashion Week and several international fashion events.
Additionally, the winner will have the opportunity to participate in experiences during awards season, with an estimated value of US$50,000. Next year, she will also walk the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival.
While Kelley took home the big prize with her historic win as Miss USA as the first mother, married woman and woman in her 30s to hold the crown, the runners-up didn’t leave empty-handed either.
First runner-up, Aileen Cerchiara (Miss Florida USA), took home a cash prize of $15,000. Second runner-up, Elizabeth Voight (Miss Pennsylvania USA), received $10,000. Madeline Erickson, Miss Iowa USA, placed third and won $6,500, while fourth runner-up, Alayzia Christopher of Utah, received $3,500.
