Aspiring models often wonder what kind of fame and fortune awaits them. Here is a guide to the average model salary in 2023.
Those who are interested in getting work as a model often wonder what kind of fame and fortune awaits them. It’s easy to picture a glamorous life, full of designer clothes but the reality can be a little different, as there is a wide spectrum of work in the modeling industry – from the supermodels earning millions to those who are barely earning at all.
Job Description
Modeling is not a straightforward profession to describe. There are a lot of different facets of the industry, depending on which direction you want to go in. If we were to simplify it as much as possible, we might say that a model’s job is to look as good as possible to promote clothing and lifestyle items. However, this really is too simplistic and ignores a lot of the more complex aspects of the job.
Before we can even get on to discussing model salary, we should start by defining the two main ways that people get work in the industry. The first is through a modelingagency, which you may well be familiar with as a concept. Here is a checklist of the top 60 Modeling Agencies in America.
The model has an agent who is assigned to find them work. They are often on the books with a number of other models who may have similar or different looks to theirs. A client will get in touch with the agent and request a specific look; it is then the agent’s task to offer models who they think will suit the brief. If the client likes you, and you are available, then you may get the job. You will, however, have to pay some of your fees over to your agent in return for their work.
The other type of modeling work is freelance. If you are a freelancer, you are solely in control of finding your own work. This means that you may have to work harder to find jobs, as clients are not likely to come directly to you. You will have to seek out opportunities and castings and put yourself forward for them, which may mean attending a lot of auditions without getting in. The benefit, of course, is that you get to keep the full fee that you are paid. We had put together a few tips for aspiring models, that will help you get started.
It is debatable whether a model can earn more as a freelancer or with an agency. It may well be down to either personal preference, or whether you can even manage to get signed with an agency at all. Competition for these spots is fierce and you may be dropped from your agency if you do not perform well.
Generally speaking, the highest-paid models in the world are signed with agencies. After you reach a certain level, you may be working so much that you do not have time to look for opportunities. This is when it will be useful for you to have an agent doing it for you!
Modeling Niches
There are a huge number of modeling niches to choose from. We will do our best to cover as many as possible here, though be aware that there may even be more if you want to find a very specific niche.
Runway models These models walk the catwalk in designer clothes during events. You must be able to change very quickly backstage (and not be embarrassed about others watching you change), and prepared to wear outlandish, revealing, or unflattering clothes. You are a vehicle for demonstrating the fashion, and it is not about you. You must have a strong walk, you must be tall and slim, and you must fit the sample size clothes that the designer creates. Your job will likely take several hours, from hair and makeup through to rehearsals and then the show itself, which can be over in a matter of thirty minutes or less. Some models are paid as much as $20,000 per show, while others might not be paid at all, depending on the designer.
Editorial models When you open the pages of a fashion magazine, you will see editorial spreads that are used to tell a story about clothing or showcase new trends. Editorial models fall under different requirements for catwalk models and will be paid differently. You can expect around $100 per hour if you are doing well. Starting model salary may be much lower, even $20 per hour, and you may have to work for free at first to get your portfolio.
Commercial or advertising models This type of modeling can be very well-paid, with an average of $200 per hour. Again, you may earn less for smaller brands, or more for nationwide campaigns. You will need to learn about the different types of payments offered on advertising shoots, which can cover different regions, different media, lengths of time, and so on. A clever agent or model negotiating for themselves can make a successful advertising campaign continue to pay the longer it is shown.
Catalog models When you shop online or through a catalog, you will see models wearing the clothes to demonstrate how they look. This can be very steady work as you will be called back in for new product releases and can shoot hundreds of looks a week. You must conform to standard sizes, and usually, a more generic look is preferred – so if you have a striking or outlandish face, you may be better off working editorially.
Fit models Fit models are used to determine the fit of clothes and make sure that they look correct. You may be able to double up this work with catalog work. For a fit model, your face is not at all important, only the precise sizing of your body.
Parts models Hands, feet, arms and legs, lips, eyes, hair, even parts of the torso – parts models work with just a small portion of their body rather than the whole thing. They may cover more than one part, or focus on just the part of their body which is most attractive. A hand model salary could be very different from a foot model or an eye model, so it is difficult to put a figure on this. It is very niche work and requires hard work, physical discomfort, and determination to succeed – as well as being extremely protective of the part that you model.
Live event models Live events such as car shows, exhibitions, and trade fairs often need models to attract attention. Sometimes known as grid girls (at car events), promo girls, promo models, or so on, they will work long days and are not always paid well. You will be expected to pose for pictures with members of the public and keep a smile at all times.
TV models It’s not as common as it used to be, but gameshows will sometimes still send out an attractive woman to show off the prizes. While we don’t know the difference between the Price Is Right models salary or the Deal or No Deal models Salary, they are likely to be paid well – though not nearly as well as a TV show host. The job may only last for a short amount of time, which also means that the overall salary may not be as high as expected, but it does guarantee more exposure.
Lingerie models It’s worth noting lingerie models as a separate category because they can often earn as much as double as their fully-clothed counterparts while undertaking the same kind of work (such as runway, editorial, commercial, etc). Victoria’s Secret model salary is one of the highest in the industry.
Do check out these articles on modeling
How to Become a Model - 12 Modeling Tips for Aspiring Fashion Models.
How to Create a Model Portfolio - A Complete Guide.
20 Male Model Poses and Ideas.
The Top 60+ Modeling Agencies in America.
Working Environment
The working environment can differ greatly from day to day, as well as from job to job. This is because the work is different every week! You might be shooting a swimsuit look in the Bahamas and having a great time, or shivering in Canadian snow without a coat to get the shot.
One thing is for certain, and that is that models have to look after themselves. You will sometimes be given refreshments and looked after by a runner or assistant, but not always. You may have to supply your own food and drink, keep yourself warm and dry, or simply endure physical discomfort until the work is done.
If you are not cut out for this kind of environment, you may not succeed. Walking away from a set because you’re too cold or tired may affect your reputation, which is everything in the fashion industry.
Factors Affecting Model Salaries
There are a great number of factors which might affect your salary. They include, but are by no means limited to, the following:
Gender – Male models tend to earn less, as a rule.
Time spent working – You may not even be working one day a week, or you could be working seven days a week, depending on how good you or your agent is at getting bookings.
Industry-level – Indie and small brands are sure to pay less than the bigger fashion houses which are already well-established with a good budget, meaning you can’t earn as much at the start of your career.
Location – Working in one of the fashion capitals of the world (London, New York, Paris, Milan, etc) will likely get you a higher model salary than somewhere where modeling is not as well-established.
Your appearance – You may be judged to be worth more or less depending on how well you fit the required look and size.
Negotiation ability – If you negotiate a good contract, you can potentially earn a lot more. If you don’t negotiate at all, you could end up being low-paid compared to your potential.
Agency – If you are a freelancer or if you have an agent that takes a low cut, or if your agent takes a high cut, then you could be paid more or less.
Cost of work – Models often have expenses taken out of their salaries. These can include things like flights, taxis and cars, food, accommodation, and so on, especially when travel to another city is required.
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Average Model Salaries
Ziprecruiter’s figures range from as high as $401,500 to as low as $11,000 , with an average model salary of $125,457 annually in the US. Indeed states that the average hourly model salary is $23.43, although their figures do include adult modeling jobs which may skew the number towards a higher value. Top-level models can easily command several hundred dollars per hour, if not more, depending on the job and their status. Someone like Kate Moss, for example, has entered a level of fame where her face is instantly recognizable – and for this reason, she will be paid not just as a model but also as a celebrity. Her salary has been reported in the millions on an annual basis, though of course, she is far above the average.
Throughout the US, there are certain areas where you will see higher hourly rates or more jobs available. New York and Los Angeles tend to have the most work, with an average model salary of $25 an hour reported in California.
We can approach the model salary per year figures with a little bit of caution, as they are usually calculated on the idea of a 40-hour workweek at the hourly rate reported. It’s actually rare for models to work this much! That means that the real average model salary per year is likely a lot lower than it appears.
Conclusion
It is possible to make a lot of money as a model – even to become a millionaire. The reality for many models is a lot lower. However, if you are determined to work hard, keep in shape, and push your career to the limit, you could easily earn as much or more than you would in an office job. This is a great motivating factor for many models.
Make sure to have a back-up plan in mind, as modeling often has an expiration date for most models. When you are judged to be too old, your salary will plunge or could dwindle away altogether.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do models get paid? Model salaries can vary quite a bit depending on experience, industry, length of the project, location, agency and a myriad other factors. Individual model incomes can fluctuate from project to project and season to season.
How much does a model earn in a year? Models can earn anywhere from as high as $401,500 to as low as $11,000 a year according to Ziprecruiter. Model salaries are highly variable based on industry and depending on experience, appearance, celebrity factor etc.
What is the highest paid model job? Editorial and runway fashion models who can attain supermodel status are the highest paid models. Supermodel status comes with a certain degree of celebrity factor that can play a big role in raising a model’s fees.
There are two ways to get paid as a model. The first is to work with a modeling agency, and the second is to become a freelance model. A modeling agency has connections through which they receive bookings from clients. The agency then assigns work to you and other models who meet the requirements.
Beginners and more experienced models alike can receive $125–$175 per hour, with a two-hour minimum for all jobs. In smaller markets, commercial models can earn anywhere from $25–$75 per hour. Plus-size and catalogs models will generally be paid the same hourly, half-day, and full-day booking rates.
Highest salary that a Model Maker can earn is ₹50.0 Lakhs per year (₹4.2L per month). How does Model Maker Salary in India change with experience? An Entry Level Model Maker with less than three years of experience earns an average salary of ₹16.8 Lakhs per year.
While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $147,407 and as low as $17,288, the majority of salaries within the Gucci Model jobs category currently range between $26,842 (25th percentile) to $62,329 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $115,559 annually in Iowa.
As of Apr 29, 2023, the average annual pay for a 100K A Year in the United States is $85,866 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $41.28 an hour.
The median salary of 20- to 24-year-olds is $706 per week, which translates to $36,712 per year. Many Americans start out their careers in their 20s and don't earn as much as they will once they reach their 30s.
Models can earn anywhere from as high as $401,500 to as low as $11,000 a year according to Ziprecruiter. Model salaries are highly variable based on industry and depending on experience, appearance, celebrity factor etc.
How much does a Model make at Christian Dior in the United States? Average Christian Dior Model hourly pay in the United States is approximately $22.36, which is 7% below the national average.
How much does a Vogue Model make? As of Apr 30, 2023, the average annual pay for a Vogue Model in the United States is $56,915 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $27.36 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,094/week or $4,742/month.
High-fashion modeling is the highest-paid division of modeling work in the industry. Models in high fashion wear designer clothes, have their pictures taken frequently and travel extensively. However, high-fashion modeling is hard work, and it is not a good fit for all models.
Most jobs are during the day, but some outdoor photo sessions may be at night or early in the morning. Work less than 40 hours a week. Must travel to auditions and bookings. May travel to distant cities and foreign countries for photo sessions.
Modeling is a competitive industry that requires dedication and perseverance. Modeling jobs can be hard to come by, especially those in high-fashion. To become a professional model, it's essential to learn the necessary requirements of the job.
No, modeling is not a good career due to low pay (for most jobs) and high stress. Very few get rich. Unless you fall into the "supermodel" category, which most models don't, you can't expect to earn a living wage. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the median hourly wage for models was $13.63 in 2019.
You could specialise in making models for a particular sector like architecture, advertising and exhibitions, product design, film, TV or animation. With experience you could lead a team of model makers or manage a model making business.
How much does a Louis Vuitton Model make in Coeur D'alene, Idaho? As of Apr 30, 2023, the average annual pay for the Louis Vuitton Model jobs category in Coeur D'alene is $43,221 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $20.78 an hour.
freelance or private contractor models typically range between $50 - 250 per hour. you'll want to negotiate hourly rates as well as travel time and any preparations (do you want them to have their hair/nails/makeup done?
How much does a Fashion Model make? The average salary for a fashion model in the United States is $167,104. Fashion model salaries typically range between $53,000 and $525,000 a year. The average hourly rate for fashion models is $80.34 per hour.
In addition to the runway and high-fashion magazines, models can earn money by appearing in catalogs, brochures, TV shows and commercials, calendars, billboards, advertising campaigns, cosmetic campaigns, and trade shows.
Some of the positions that earn high wages at Versace include fashion model, merchandising director, finance analyst, and fashion consultant. A typical fashion model salary at Versace is $164,523 per year. Other roles at Versace include personal shopper and cashier.
From age 18-24, only 1% of earners (7% altogether) earn $100k per year or more. This makes these age groups by far the lowest earners in the US. Americans make the most income gains between 25 and 35. Only 2% of 25-year-olds make over $100k per year, but this jumps to a considerable 12% by 35.
If you work a full 40-hour week for 52 weeks, that amounts to 2,080 hours of work. So $100,000 a year in income divided by 2,080 is a $48.08 hourly wage.
Earning $150,000 puts you well above the average salary in the U.S — over double the median income, in fact, according to Census data. With this salary, you can likely afford a bigger home than most, and likely in a more desirable location.
A good range to have saved by 25 is usually between three to six months of living expenses, explains Sean K. August, CEO of The August Wealth Management Group. Putting away this cash can help prepare you for unforeseen circ*mstances, such as loss of income.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook, more than half of the nation's models work part time -- so the answer is an absolute yes, modeling can be a side job; and is in fact just that for most.
However, some models can maintain successful careers well into their 30s and beyond. Commercial models, who work in advertisem*nts and promotions, can have longer careers as there is a wider range of ages and body types that are in demand.
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $168,000 and as low as $19,500, the majority of Runway Model salaries currently range between $33,500 (25th percentile) to $89,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $135,500 annually across the United States.
How much does an Entry Level Fashion Model make? As of Apr 28, 2023, the average monthly pay for an Entry Level Fashion Model in the United States is $3,597 a month.
With more than 200 million followers, Jenner charges up to $700,000 per post. In the past year, she has earned a reported $40m, making her the highest-paid model for the third year running.
Employment of models is projected to grow 9 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. About 500 openings for models are...
A woman has revealed how she makes over $70,000 a year by posting pictures of her feet on Instagram. Jessica Gould from Ontario, Canada, snaps photos of her feet and toes in various different positions for her 10,000 followers.
Devon Aoki is one of the shortest high fashion models out there, and has enjoyed a lot of success through her career. In the late 90s, she became the face of Versace and also posed for Chanel, Kenzo, Moschino, Fendi and many more. How tall is she? Just 5'5".
The standard height requirement for a female fashion model is 5 feet and 9 inches to 6 feet. For men, the required height is 5 feet and 11 inches to 6 feet and 3 inches. You might have heard of top fashion models, Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, and Karlie Kloss.
It is recommended to try and get at least 8 hours of sleep each night, and all top models appear to aim for this. Models tend to work long days so sleep is vital.
They have a light breakfast and then a normal portion of lunch and dinner, which helps improve their digestive tract to keep them “regular” to prevent bloating. The meals are spaced out anywhere from three to six hours. They cut out snacks and eat three sensible meals each day.
Generally, models tend to go to bed between 9pm – 11pm. Models like to get a decent amount of sleep as sleep is vital for our physical and mental health, as well as our appearance and energy levels. It's even more important if you work long days as you need the time to recuperate.
Fashion models have very particular age, height, and measurement standards. The typical age is 16-21. Models can be younger than this, but many agencies will require models to be at least 16. Likewise, models can be older but agencies and clients tend to like their models looking younger and more youthful.
If you are traveling to perform a specific job the client will almost always pay for your travel, accommodation, and meals. This type of job is called a “direct booking." A good modeling agency will always do its best to negotiate with the client to have your expenses covered.
While the industry is often attacked for eating disorders and alcohol abuse, its problems go far beyond that. Sexual harassment, stolen wages, and indentured slavery define the modeling industry.
Beginners and more experienced models alike can receive $125–$175 per hour, with a two-hour minimum for all jobs. In smaller markets, commercial models can earn anywhere from $25–$75 per hour. Plus-size and catalogs models will generally be paid the same hourly, half-day, and full-day booking rates.
Professional model salaries typically range between $89,000 and $624,000 a year. The average hourly rate for professional models is $113.73 per hour. Location, education, and experience impacts how much a professional model can expect to make.
There are no formal education requirements for becoming a model, and modeling schools do not guarantee employment. Models maintain a portfolio of their work for job applications, and may also use social media to build a following and increase exposure.
Beginner and experienced models can earn $125-$175 per hour, with a two-hour minimum for all jobs. Commercial models in smaller markets can earn between $25 and $75 per hour. Plus-size and catalog models will typically be compensated the same hourly, full-day, and half-day booking rates as standard models.
While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $147,407 and as low as $17,288, the majority of salaries within the Gucci Model jobs category currently range between $26,842 (25th percentile) to $62,329 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $115,559 annually in Iowa.
There are two ways to get paid as a model. The first is to work with a modeling agency, and the second is to become a freelance model. A modeling agency has connections through which they receive bookings from clients. The agency then assigns work to you and other models who meet the requirements.
Who is the Highest-Paid Black Model? Naomi Campbell and Tyra Banks are thought to be the richest black female supermodels . Their careers have spanned decades and they have branched out into other industries including music and TV.
How much does a Model make at Victoria's Secret in the United States? The estimated average pay for Model at this company in the United States is $17.56 per hour, which is 27% below the national average.
Bottom line. Never pay a modeling agency up front to market you. Make them earn their money by getting you work. There is always a way to negotiate your way around an agency that is trying to take advantage of your wallet and by doing so, you will quickly find out just how much work they believe they can book for you.
The short answer is yes! Models work hand in hand with companies that want to advertise their product. They may also work with artists or anyone who wants to display their work to the public. Models are most known for working with photographers and walking down the runway, but the job is much more than that.
Clients pay anywhere between 30 and 90 days, although we just had a client who was five months past due and we got paid. Generally it's 30 to 90 days. Some pay right away. It depends if it goes through payroll or through Europe,” she said.
Modeling is a competitive industry that requires dedication and perseverance. Modeling jobs can be hard to come by, especially those in high-fashion. To become a professional model, it's essential to learn the necessary requirements of the job.
6. Despite getting to wear the most beautiful, expensive, glamorous outfits, models unfortunately don't actually get to keep the clothes. Sometimes you may get lucky and get to keep something, but this rarely happens. 7.
How much does a Model make at Christian Dior in the United States? Average Christian Dior Model hourly pay in the United States is approximately $22.36, which is 7% below the national average.
How much does a Vogue Model make? As of Mar 3, 2023, the average annual pay for a Vogue Model in the United States is $56,915 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $27.36 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,094/week or $4,742/month.
As of Apr 30, 2023, the average annual pay for an American in the United States is $58,563 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $28.16 an hour.
Landing in the top 10% is a fairly attainable goal for upwardly mobile Americans. A study by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) found that the average earnings of those in the top 10% were roughly $173,000 in 2020.
Economists are still predicting that a recession will occur in 2023, possibly leaving you with many questions regarding your career. Now is the time to prepare professionally for a possible recession, including finding a new job if needed. You should never let a recession stop you from finding a better opportunity.
The federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour applies to states with no set minimum wage, and to most workers in states with lower minimum wages. Specifically, those working for employers subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act. Special minimum wages apply to some workers in American Samoa.
So American families earning between $47,189 and $141,568 are technically in the middle class, according to the Pew Research Center's definition. However, other factors must be considered.
According to those surveyed, it would take an average net worth of approximately $2.2 million to be considered “wealthy” in 2022. In 2021, survey respondents indicated it would take a net worth of $1.9 million. More interestingly, when asked in 2020 what wealth looked like, people said $2.6 million.
Quiet quitting doesn't actually refer to quitting a job—it means completing one's minimum work requirements without going above and beyond or bringing work home after hours.
Three years is a safe timeframe for an individual to work at a company and slowly consider switching jobs, says Pape. As an average career spans roughly 40 years, this would mean switching jobs 13 times.
When you consider changing jobs every 2-3 years you can significantly increase your earnings, get promoted sooner, broaden your skills and responsibilities, offer you more opportunities and career advancement, plus help build a strong professional network.
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