Williams broke the WTA mark of slightly under $5.5 million, earned by Justine Henin in 2007.
The American won the season-ending tour championships Sunday, beating older sister Venus in the final, and ends the year ranked No. 1. The younger Williams also won the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2009.
Williams' career prize money is now at a record $28.5 million.
Serena Williams pulls out of Fed Cup finalRaul delighted with record