How much do models make an hour

Top runway models like Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid earn millions of dollars per year, but the average model salary is considerably lower. Before choosing a career in modeling, it’s important to understand that clients are looking for specific physical characteristics. Aside from appearance, one of the most important skills for the job is being comfortable in front of a camera.

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Model Job Description

The job of a model involves posing for photographers, graphic designers, artists or the general public. They work in retail stores and runway shows. They’re also employed by photographer, artist and television studios. They may help sell clothing, accessories and many other types of consumer products. There are also fitting models who try on clothing for a designer or manufacturers to make sure the size is correct. While most models work in the fashion industry, they also may serve as inspiration for paintings, sculptures and other art pieces.

Models hours are usually determined by client demand and can be unpredictable. Their schedules can be stressful, with jobs appearing on short notice. Many models go through periods of unemployment. Since more modeling jobs are found in California and New York, many models relocate to these states at some point in their career. Still, there are modeling opportunities in many parts of the country, especially in areas with fashion-oriented businesses.

Role of Modeling Agencies

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that most models work with a modeling agency. In exchange for a commission of 10 to 20 percent of a model’s earnings, a modeling agency will represent, promote and develop the model’s career. While it’s possible to get paid to model as a freelancer, it can be more difficult to find work since most jobs are filled through agencies.

In addition to world-famous modeling agencies like Ford Models, there are hundreds of smaller agencies with only a few models under contract. Models who are just starting out need to be careful about which agency they sign with since some are better than others. For example, an unscrupulous agency may require a model to buy headshots or a video portfolio, then charge an exorbitant fee against future earnings. A model can end up with thousands of dollars in debt to an agency before receiving any earnings.

Model Salary per Hour

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median hourly pay for models was $11.01 in 2017. This is the hourly wage at which half of all models made less and half made more. The highest 10 percent of models made more than $23.78; the lowest 10 percent of earners made less than $8.17. Some models do not receive cash payment for their work, but instead are given free clothing.

Model Education Requirements

Since modeling is based so much on physical characteristics, there are no formal education requirements for the job. Instead, models are typically required by clients to have a certain height, weight or clothing size. Although there are modeling schools that teach walking, posing, makeup and hair styling, many models learn these skills on the job or from their agency. Attending modeling school does not necessarily lead to industry connections or modeling jobs.

Modeling Growth Trend

Employment of models is expected to remain steady between 2016 and 2026, according to U.S. Department of Labor forecasts. Modeling is a highly popular career, because it requires no special education or training. Many top models begin working as teenagers, based on looks alone. The job is associated with wealth, glamor and fame, which means there is heavy for competition for available jobs. A career in modeling requires perseverance and patience, as well as specific types of physical appearance currently in demand by clients.

How much does a Professional Model make?

Professional models make $236,556 per year on average, or $113.73 per hour, in the United States. Professional models on the lower end of that spectrum, the bottom 10% to be exact, make roughly $89,000 a year, while the top 10% makes $624,000.

Location impacts how much a professional model can expect to make. Professional models make the most in North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Washington, and West Virginia.

Highest Paying States For Professional Models

The darker areas on the map show where professional models earn the highest salaries across all 50 states.

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Professional Model average salary by State

Top Professional Model Jobs Near You

Highest Paying Cities For Professional Models

Professional Model Salary Details

Average Professional Model Salary Graph, Trends, and Summary

Which Companies Pay Professional Models The Most?

According to our most recent salary estimates, Click Model Management - New York and Marilyn's Agency are the highest paying companies for professional models.

Professional Model Salary Trends

Average Professional Model Salary Over Time

Compare salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.

Recently Added Professional Model Salaries

Professional Model Salaries FAQs

What state pays Professional Models the most?

North Dakota pays Professional Models the most in the United States, with an average salary of $199,663 per year, or $95.99 per hour.

How do I know if I'm being paid fairly as a Professional Model?

You know if you are being paid fairly as a Professional Model if your pay is close to the average pay for the state you live in. For example, if you live in Minnesota you should be paid close to $188,662 per year.

What type of Professional Model gets paid the most?

Male Model gets paid the most. Male Model made a median salary of $204,380. The best-paid 10 percent make $358,000, while the lowest-paid 10 percent make $116,000.

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How much do models get paid beginners?

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.

How much do top models make per hour?

Professional Model Salary Professional models make $236,556 per year on average, or $113.73 per hour, in the United States. Professional models on the lower end of that spectrum, the bottom 10% to be exact, make roughly $89,000 a year, while the top 10% makes $624,000.

How much money do models make a week?

As of Oct 1, 2022, the average weekly pay for a Model in the United States is $1,826 a week. While ZipRecruiter is seeing weekly wages as high as $7,721 and as low as $212, the majority of Model wages currently range between $596 (25th percentile) to $2,000 (75th percentile) across the United States.

How much do models make per shoot?

A portrait model can earn around $100 per hour, and it depends definitely on how many hours of shooting is done. If the model is hired by an agency the payment is expanded to $250 per hour.