How Much Do Models Make in 2022?

Ever considered taking your career to a whole new path and making a switch to modeling? Well, before you go down that road, you may need some answers to a question that might be on your mind.

How much do models make these days?

In this article, we’ll discuss the average pay for models in general and what salaries to expect with different job conditions. We’ll also address several factors that affect a model’s salary so that you can have a clear idea about what goes on in the modeling world.

Let’s dive in!

How Much Do Models Make on Average?

Of course, the salaries of models can vary based on many factors such as the modeling niche, location, gender, industry level, and more. For that reason, we can’t simply answer this question without diving deeper into each one of these variations.

Still, to get a general idea, you should know that a model’s salary can range from $11,000 to $400,000 per year according to Ziprecruiter. In the US, the average pay for models is around $124,000 annually.

But, what causes this huge range in salaries?

As you’ve probably guessed, working as a model is similar to working any job when it comes to payment rates. For instance, an entry-level model for a lesser-known magazine will make less than a top-level model who can make hundreds of dollars per hour.

Some models, like Gigi Hadid for example, have gained a huge level of fame that you could recognize their faces instantly. At this point, models are treated as celebrities, and their annual pay may reach millions of dollars.

Now that you understand how models’ salaries vary, let’s see what you can expect out of each modeling niche.

Modeling Niches and Their Average Salaries

In the world of modeling, you’ll find a large array of niches that you can choose from. In each scenario, the pay may vary hugely or slightly. Let’s take a quick look at some of the most popular modeling niches in the industry.

Runway Models

Even though most people expect runway models to be the highest paid out there, this isn’t always the case. The pay of a runway model can be as high as $200,000 per show or much lower than that.

The pay depends on the designer, if he or she is a top-tier fashion designer, only has some experience, or a startup. Some entry-level designers may not pay their models at all, so it’s up to you to decide whether the show is worth it or not.

Commercial Models

Advertising modeling can be well-paid, with an average of $200 per hour. Again, this sum depends on the brand and its popularity. A smaller brand could pay you less, while a nationwide company could offer you much more.

The great thing about commercial modeling is that it’s an awesome way to kickstart your modeling career. Even if you don’t get paid much if you’re working with a small brand, you can benefit from the experience.

Live Event Models

Also known as promo models, live event models are often needed for car shows, trade fairs, exhibitions, and the like. Here, models usually work for long hours and the pay may not be that great.

If you have the energy to keep a smile throughout the event and pose with people to take pictures, this niche may be a decent start to your career.

Editorial Models

Editorial models pose for magazine photoshoots to showcase the latest fashion trends, recommend styling ideas, etc. In this scenario, you can expect a payment of $100 per hour if you have a good portfolio.

However, you may be paid less, $20 per hour for example, if you’re an entry-level model. Some models will even work for free in order to build their portfolio to have better chances in the future.

Catalog Models

When you go through a fashion catalog, online or in stores, you’ll see models wearing the brand’s clothes or accessories to showcase them. If you wish to be a catalog model, it may be a great idea since it’s one of the steadiest modeling niches out there.

The reason behind this is that there’s a high chance that you’ll get called back in for new product releases. And, as you become more familiar with the brand, your experience will grow and so will your salary.

Same as editorial modeling, you can go from $20 per hour to $100. Another cool thing about catalog modeling is that it usually requires a generic look as long as you conform to standard sizes.

We can’t say the same for editorial modeling, where a striking appearance is preferred.

Fit Models

Usually, models do fitting work beside their catalog or editorial modeling. A fit model’s job is to determine the size of the clothes and ensure that they look right. Of course, in this niche, the face won’t be important at all, just the sizing of the body.

Fit models are paid a tad less than others. But since you can double up this work with other modeling niches, fit modeling can be a decent way to increase your overall salary.

What Are the Factors That Affect a Model’s Salary?

Now that you have a good idea of how much models make in different niches, let’s explore some of the factors that impact a model’s salary.

Gender

Unlike the case in many work fields, which needs changing but is still true, females earn more than males in the modeling world. The reason behind this is that advertising for women’s fashion products makes the industry more money.

A good example of this scenario is that the highest-paid female model in the world, Kendall Jenner, has earned $10 million in 2019 alone. On the other hand, Sean O’Pry, who is the best-paid male model, only makes around $1.5 million per year.

Experience

Of course, the more experience in the modeling world you have, the higher your salary will be. A startup model can expect $10,000 per year, or even less based on the niche he or she has entered.

A professional model will be paid much more, from $20,000 all the way to $100,000 depending on her years of experience. A top model is somewhere between a professional model and a celebrity, and he or she can earn more than $124,000 a year.

Industry Level

Another important factor to take into consideration before accepting a modeling contract is the size of the brand you’ll be working for. Indie and small brands won’t be able to pay models as much as a bigger fashion house will.

Therefore, you should expect a small salary at the beginning of your career. However, with commitment, persistence, and after years of work, you should gradually climb your way to A-class fashion houses.

Location

Location is a major determiner of how well a model is paid. For instance, modeling in one of the fashion capitals of the world is sure to promise a rewarding salary. Working in New York, Paris, London, or Milan automatically means higher pay.

On the contrary, pursuing a career of modeling where this job isn’t as popular may not be as fruitful. Still, that doesn’t mean that you can’t start small and keep looking for better offers until you achieve your goals.

Appearance

In modeling, it all comes down to your appearance. However, getting suitable job opportunities may not be as tough as you might assume. This is because not all fashion houses or brands are looking for the same thing.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need to fit the required look and size. Thus, if you do, you’ll have a higher chance of getting the job and the payment.

Cost of Work

You must also consider that some costs will be taken out of your paycheck for your needs. These expenses can come in the shape of food, flights or other means of transportation, accommodation, and more.

Other Factors

Of course, we can go on and on about the factors that can affect your salary as a model. Here’s a list of the rest of the things that could increase or decrease your payments.

• Being a freelancer vs. hiring an agent
• Your or your agent’s negotiation ability
• Time spent working
• Age

The Bottom Line

Pursuing a career in modeling requires deep thought, careful planning, and hard work. One of the first questions you should ask yourself is, ‘How much do models make?’

Models can earn from $11,000 to $125,000 a year depending on their gender, work experience, niche, location, and more. Once you put all these factors into account, you should be able to make a well-informed decision regarding your career.

Remember that the key to getting opportunities is by building a strong portfolio. Make sure that you have printed copies as well as an online version of it to show it to potential clients. Over time, you’ll have enough experience to land the perfect offers!