Model Salary
Models earn a median $48,470 a year nationally. Sales and Related Occupations
What models do
Model garments or other apparel and accessories for prospective buyers at fashion shows, private showings, or retail establishments. May pose for photos to be used in magazines or advertisements. May pose as subject for paintings, sculptures, and other types of artistic expression.
- Typical education
- No formal educational credential
- Work experience
- None required
- On-the-job training
- None
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- -2.1% (declining)
- Openings per year
- 700
- Self-employed
- 8%
Employment of models is projected to shrink 2.1% from 2025 to 2035, slower than the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 700 openings are expected each year, on average, including jobs left by workers who retire or switch careers.
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Model take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$3,636
- Social Security (6.2%)$3,005
- Medicare (1.45%)$703
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$41,126
Marginal rate: 12% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $34,190 | $16.44 | $29,652 |
| 25th percentile | $35,710 | $17.17 | $30,873 |
| Median (50th) | $48,470 | $23.30 | $41,126 |
| 75th percentile | $99,320 | $47.75 | $78,702 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $131,470 | $63.21 | $101,126 |
Model salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $109,910 | — | $83,613 | $35,050 – $109,920 | — |
| New York | $107,280 | +19.2% | $79,012 | $44,720 – $213,740 | — |
| New Jersey | $60,520 | +78.2% | $49,012 | $50,290 – $117,070 | — |
| California | $57,400 | −8.0% | $46,061 | $35,400 – $131,470 | 990 |
| Illinois | $53,280 | +13.5% | $42,498 | $36,450 – $156,000 | 60 |
| Maryland | $47,170 | +3.1% | $38,204 | $40,980 – $47,170 | 40 |
| Texas | $46,840 | −5.4% | $39,816 | $29,010 – $72,850 | — |
| Florida | $45,900 | +3.1% | $39,061 | $34,190 – $99,320 | 620 |
| Virginia | $45,720 | +1.9% | $37,101 | $31,910 – $48,820 | 40 |
| Rhode Island | $45,060 | — | $37,313 | $45,060 – $45,070 | — |
| Oregon | $42,880 | — | $33,712 | $33,450 – $45,720 | 40 |
| Ohio | $42,550 | +8.2% | $35,981 | $31,990 – $67,790 | 120 |
| Nebraska | $41,600 | — | $34,592 | $40,730 – $42,790 | — |
| New Hampshire | $39,890 | — | $34,232 | $35,080 – $46,840 | — |
| Missouri | $34,610 | — | $29,300 | $28,600 – $45,380 | — |
| Georgia | $15,080 | — | $13,767 | $15,080 – $55,790 | 130 |
Related jobs
| Job | Median salary | Education | Growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demonstrator and Product Promoter | $39,320 | No formal educational credential | +0.2% |
| Sales and Related Workers, All Other | $48,280 | High school diploma or equivalent | +1.1% |
| Real Estate Sales Agent | $52,830 | High school diploma or equivalent | +1.7% |
| Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers | $41,380 | No formal educational credential | -10.4% |
| Telemarketer | $35,450 | No formal educational credential | -21.4% |
| Real Estate Broker | $73,220 | High school diploma or equivalent | +0.8% |
| Sales Engineer | $124,900 | Bachelor's degree | +2.8% |
| First-Line Supervisor of Retail Sales Workers | $48,520 | High school diploma or equivalent | -3.7% |
| Travel Agent | $50,160 | High school diploma or equivalent | +0.2% |
| Counter and Rental Clerk | $41,300 | No formal educational credential | +3.0% |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a model make?
The national median salary for models is $48,470 a year ($23.30 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $34,190 and the top 10% earn over $131,470. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays models the most?
Arizona has the highest median pay at $109,910.
How many models are there in the U.S.?
About 3,780 people work as models nationwide.