Salary of a Model
Average Salary of a Model in 2025
Are you thinking about becoming a model? Or do you already work as one and want to know if you earn fair pay? Knowing your career worth in 2025 is key for smart job decisions.
The modeling industry can be confusing when it comes to money.
This guide will show you exactly what models earn across America and in other countries. We will answer key questions like:
What is the average salary of a model?
How does experience change your pay?
Which types of modeling pay the most?
What can you do to earn more money?
Do fashion models make different amounts of money than other types?
We looked at thousands of real salary reports to give you the facts you need to succeed.
What's the Average Salary of a Model in the USA?
$88,400 per year (Average)
We calculated this number by looking at data from major job sites and salary platforms. Glassdoor shows that fashion models earn about $84,661 a year. ZipRecruiter reports clothing models make around $104,166. Salary.com lists the average at $56,218.
We also checked these sites for more details:
Talent.com: $62,400/year
Zippia: $167,104 for fashion models
Indeed: $26.65/hour, or $55,432/year.
This gives us a fuller view.
The average salary of a model has grown by $69,334 over the last ten years, showing strong growth in this field. Social media opened up new modeling chances. As a result, brands need more models for their online content and ads.
Model Salary Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: $88,400 per year.
Salary range: Entry-level jobs start at $41,600 a year. Most experienced workers earn up to $125,000 a year, according to Talent.com. Salary.com states that pay usually ranges from $46,327 to $68,639. Most professionals earn between $37,322 and $79,949. This wide range shows how experience, type of modeling, and location can change your pay.
Salary by experience:
Entry-level (less than 2 years): $41,600 according to Talent.com analysis
Mid-career (3-7 years): $65,000 based on industry averages
Experienced (8+ years): $125,000 for top-level professionals
75th percentile: Famous job board platforms show that 75% of models earn below $80,000 per year. This means that if you earn more than this amount, you are in the top 25% of all models.
Model Salary Regional Comparison
Location plays a big role in how much models earn around the world.
Countries with strong fashion industries usually pay more. Places with big advertising markets also offer better salaries. Currency strength and cost of living affect international pay too. Economic development and media demand change pay rates between countries.
Here's how model salaries in different countries compare to the U.S. average:
Data collected from international modeling agencies, PayScale country comparisons, and industry salary surveys. As of July 2025, there are no reliable sources for exact international model salaries. So, these numbers are estimates based on general wage differences among countries.
The United States has the best chances for high-paying modeling jobs. This is thanks to its large entertainment and fashion industries.
6 Tips to Grow Your Salary as a Model
1. Build a Strong Social Media Presence: Models with over 100,000 Instagram followers can earn 50-200% more than those without any social media. Brands pay extra for models who can promote their products online.
2. Focus on High-Demand Modeling Types: Fashion runway models and commercial print models usually earn more than general models. Specialized work, like hand modeling or plus-size modeling, also commands premium rates.
3. Work with Top Modeling Agencies: Big agencies in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami can help you land better-paying jobs. Top agencies have connections with big brands that pay well.
4. Develop Multiple Skills: Models who can also act, dance, or do voice work earn more money. Extra skills make you more valuable to clients. They also create more job opportunities.
5. Move to Major Fashion Cities: New York, Los Angeles, and Miami have the best-paying modeling jobs. These cities have more fashion brands, magazines, and advertising agencies that need models.
6. Maintain Professional Standards: Always show up on time, follow directions, and stay in good physical shape. Models who perform well get hired again. They also receive recommendations from clients, which helps them earn a steady income.
FAQs About Model Salary
Is the average salary of a model before or after taxes?
All salary figures from Glassdoor, Salary.com, and other platforms are gross annual amounts. These figures do not include taxes. You will need to subtract federal, state, and local taxes from these amounts.
Does the average salary of a model include expenses?
No. Most salary reports show earnings only. Models often pay for their own portfolio photos, travel, and other work expenses. These costs can be significant in the modeling industry.
What affects a model's salary the most?
Physical appearance, experience level, location, and type of modeling are the biggest factors. Salaries go from $41,600 for new models to $125,000 for experienced ones. This shows the importance of experience.
How much do entry-level models make per hour?
Entry-level models earn $26.65 per hour on average, according to Indeed data. Modeling work is usually project-based, not hourly. This means that income can vary a lot.
Do fashion models make more than other types of models?
Fashion models make about $167,104 a year, based on Zippia's data. This is more than the average for other types of modeling. Fashion work typically pays more due to higher brand budgets.
Can models work part-time and still earn good money?
Yes. Many successful models work part-time or on specific projects. Clothing models can make $104,166 a year. Their income varies based on work quality and how often they work. They also enjoy flexible schedules.
What is the job outlook for models in 2025?
The modeling industry is growing. This is because there’s more demand for digital content and social media marketing. But, competition remains very high, with many people wanting to become models.
Do models need formal education to earn good salaries?
No college degree is required for modeling. Taking classes in acting, dancing, or business can help models earn more. It can also lead to longer careers in the industry.
All pay information is current as of 2025. The data comes from different global salary surveys and government stats, 2025.
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