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How much does Model make?
Total pay range
$66K - $123K/yr
$88K/yrMedian total pay
Pay breakdown
$49K - $91K/yrBase pay
$17K - $32K/yrAdditional pay
About our data
Confident
Last updated Apr 10, 20251.1K Salaries submitted
How accurate is a total pay range of $66K-$123K/yr?
Your input helps Glassdoor refine our pay estimates over time.
Glassdoor Economist Pay Overview
What is the pay outlook for Arts & Design?
Jobs in arts & design are growing due to increased access to remote work. These jobs often require a bachelor’s degree and technical skills such as graphic design software, web-development and research. Salaries vary, as jobs tend to be short-term and contractual, offering workers flexible schedules and the opportunity to manage multiple projects at once.
Recent salaries shared by Model
Job Title | Years of Experience
Total Pay
Base • Additional pay
Location
Date submitted
Job Title | Years of Experience
Location
Date submitted
Total Pay
Base • Additional pay
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Top paying industries
The top 5 paying industries for Model in United States are Aerospace & Defense with a median total pay of $135,585, Information Technology with a median total pay of $87,557, Media & Communication with a median total pay of $80,922, Management & Consulting with a median total pay of $72,231, and Human Resources & Staffing with a median total pay of $69,391.
Aerospace & Defense
The top paying company in Aerospace & Defense for Model is Lockheed Martin.
Frequently asked questions about Model salaries
The average salary for Model is $88,201 per year or $42 per hour, with top earners making up to $161,408 (90th percentile). Typically, pay ranges from $66,151 (25th percentile) to $123,482 (75th percentile) annually. Salary estimates are based on 1056 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by Model employees.
The highest salary for Model is $123,482 per year, $10,290 per month or $59 per hour.
The lowest salary for Model is $66,151 per year, $5,513 per month or $32 per hour.
Models can choose to find work themselves as freelancers or to be represented by an agency. In either situation, pay is low while a model establishes themselves in the industry, but it has the potential to rise drastically. Early-career models often work for free to build a portfolio and increase their visibility. Mid-career models often work part-time and experience periods of unemployment. Elite models, however, have the potential to earn salaries and fame on par with high-performing professional athletes.
About 67% of models on Glassdoor rate themselves as satisfied with their current salaries. On average, models can earn an additional $23,099.76 every year. This, along with their base salary, may contribute to good compensation.
The amount a model earns varies widely, depending on a wide range of factors, including gender, age, appearance, industry level, niche, and location. Across all of these experience levels and niches, however, models earn between $51,156.75 and $161,408.36 every year. The average model makes about $88,201.29. While there's no seniority in this position, you'll earn more by gaining experience and creating a high-quality portfolio.
Keep up with fashion industry research if you want to maximize your salary as a model. Working with industry-leading brands pays much higher than collaborating with local indie brands and will score you more high-paying gigs. You should also know where you fit within the industry, such as high fashion or commercial work, and build a quality portfolio within this niche. Your portfolio is your biggest marketing tool, so it should show off your absolute best. Consider time spent working; some jobs are a week long, while another photoshoot might require just a few hours of your time. Working with an agent could also score you higher-paying roles.
Negotiating contracts for model roles can be difficult, but many factors work into the deal. Along with model salary, always consider travel to and from the shooting/runway location, meals, accommodation, and any clothing/beauty supplies required by you. While models with experience and solid portfolios can reasonably request a number 10% to 20% above the one offered after each contract, models often lose out by not factoring in benefits. Since modeling is a contract gig, employers vary widely in what they offer, and many cover travel expenses, accommodations, and meals. Others might accommodate your salary request but not cover these, so consider the value of each.
Savannah College of Art and Design
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