Compiled by Vanity Fair magazine, the rankings revealed the 18-year-old actor raked in an estimated $33.5 million for his various movie appearances throughout 2010, making him the ninth-highest earner in Hollywood.

As well as pushing last year's number nine Robert Downey Jr. into tenth place, Taylor beat both Kristen and Robert - who received $28.5 million and $27.5 million for their respective film roles over the past 12 months - who landed in 13th and 14th places.

Vanity Fair's contributing editor Peter Newcomb explained: "He's perhaps the highest-paid teenage star right now. When they first negotiated their contracts, they were getting paid a lot less.
"Then, with the immense success of the film, the agents went back and renegotiated the deal - Lautner's deal in particular was really bumped up."

With 'Avatar' director and producer James Cameron securing the top spot in the rankings with an estimated yearly earning of $257 million, Johnny Depp - who raked in $100 million in 2010 - was listed as the highest-earning actor, taking home $40 million for his role as the Mad Hatter in 'Alice in Wonderland' alone.

However, despite being pipped to the post by her 'Twilight' co-star, Kristen Stewart's estimated $28.5 million earnings made her the highest-ranking female star in 2010.
 
Vanity Fair Magazine's Hollywood Top 20 Earners 2010

 
1.            James Cameron - $257 million
2.            Johnny Depp - $100 million
3.            Steven Speilberg - $80 million
4.            Christopher Nolan- $71.5 million
5.            Leonardo DiCaprio - $62 million
6.            Tim Burton - $53 million
7.            Adam Sandler - $50 million
8.            Todd Phillips - $34 million
9.            Taylor Lautner - $33.5 million
10.          Robert Downey Jr. - $31.5 million
11.          Will Smith - $29 million
12.          Joe Roth - £28.5 million
13.          Kristen Stewart - $28.5 million
14.          Jerry Bruckheimer - $27.5 million
15.          Robert Pattinson - $27.5 million
16.          Jason Blum and Oren Peli - $26.5 million
17.          Tyler Perry - $25 million
18.          Jennifer Aniston - $24.5 million
19.          Jon Favreau - $24 million
20.          Nicolas Cage - $23.5 million