Average Salary for a Model in the USA 2025: Pay by Experience, Top States & How to Earn More

In 2025, salary is a top consideration when choosing where to work and which jobs to accept. This guide shows what models can earn in the USA. It breaks down pay by experience, region, and reliable data sources.

"Models bring clothes and products to life in photos and videos. They work with photographers, stylists, and clients to achieve the perfect look and mood.  

They attend castings, maintain a strong portfolio, and follow directions on set. Many also build social profiles and negotiate jobs to boost their income."

You’ll learn about the average yearly salary, how experience affects pay, which states pay the most, and 7 effective ways to boost earnings. We rely on multiple trusted datasets and government statistics.

We tackle common questions head-on: we consider salary after tax, and we include bonuses. Read on to determine your true worth in 2025.

Average Salary for a Model in the USA?

$77,440 per year (Average)

This experienced wage figure comes from averages of top sources. It includes averages from Glassdoor's U.S. Model, Payscale hourly data, ZipRecruiter rates, Indeed reports, and national wages from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

We used a simple method. We turned hourly rates into annual full-time equivalents. We did this by multiplying 40 hours by 52 weeks. This gave us a reliable average from different sources.

Compared to last year, overall model pay has experienced a notable increase. This rise comes from two main reasons: the 2025 union and updates to commercial contracts that raised rates. Brands are spending more on influencers and paid talent. This has raised average pay.

Salary for a Model Key Metrics 2025

Average salary: $77,440/year. We gathered data from Glassdoor, Payscale, ZipRecruiter, Indeed, and BLS to create this figure.

Salary ranges: Entry-level models earn $31,000-$35,000 annually. Mid-range models make $50,000-$85,000. Top models in commercial, fashion, or high-profile jobs can earn over $140,000 a year. Mid-range values average $60,000-$105,000 across surveys.

Salary by Experience:

• Junior models earn $30,000-$45,000 a year. They often work part-time or take gigs.

• Mid-career models make about $45,000-$90,000 annually. This depends on bookings and markets.

• Senior models earn $90,000-$200,000+ per year. They typically have regular high-fee work and brand deals.

The 75th percentile: This ranges from $64,000 to $120,000. The amount varies by role, like commercial, fashion, or fit model. For big markets, use the higher bound.

Data from the USA show that junior models earn between $30,000 and $45,000 each year. Senior models can make over $100,000. Our ranges above reflect the spread across surveys and job types.

Salary for a Model: Regional Comparison

Explaining how regional and local market sizes influence salaries. Major media hubs and cities with strong fashion and production industries usually pay better. Here’s a comparison of salaries in the UK and nearby markets with those in major U.S. hubs.

Country	Avg salary (local)	Avg salary (USD equiv.)	Difference vs. US composite
United States (composite)	$77,440 / year (composite)	$77,440	—
United Kingdom	£41,488 (Glassdoor UK) → ≈ $55,800 USD	≈ $55,800	−28% vs US composite.
Canada	CA$50,332 (Glassdoor Canada) → ≈ $36,500 USD	≈ $36,500	−53% vs US composite.
Australia (example major city ranges)	No large, consistent national figure available across sources	No reliable consolidated USD equivalent found as of Aug 2025.	No reliable comparison found.

The U.S. has higher salaries, but living costs in cities like New York and LA are high too. Smaller markets, like UK provinces and some Canadian cities, might offer better buying power. This depends on factors like rent and local taxes.

7 Tips to Grow Your Model Salary

1. Secure top-tier bookings with a reputable agency. Reputable agencies get higher-fee jobs and secure safer contracts. This helps protect you from scams.

2. Leverage union power: join unions or work on SAG-AFTRA gigs. Union contracts ensure minimum pay for commercials and raise day rates. This sets a higher baseline for booked projects.

3. Unlock brand partnerships and influencer income. Brands pay models for sponsored posts. This boosts side income in a growing influencer market.

4. Carve out a niche: specialize as a fit model, hand model, or commercial talent. Specialized roles offer steady rates, clear rate sheets, and repeat bookings.

5. Drive up earnings: negotiate and keep records. Insist on written usage terms and buyouts, as usage fees can multiply to fund ad campaigns. Consumer protection laws and the Fashion Workers Act (NY) also ensure clear contracts.

6. Diversify your revenue streams: acting, commercials, influencer work, and teaching. Spreading your income across different sources helps reduce your dependence on irregular bookings. This boosts your financial stability.

7. Invest in a professional, up-to-date portfolio. An updated portfolio and comp cards boost bookings. Agencies and clients like consistent, high-quality content.

FAQs | Model's Salary

Is the above-average salary of a Model before or after tax?

Gross annual pay is before tax. Government statistics and job sites report pre-tax salaries.

Does the salary include bonuses or brand deals?

No, most platform averages report base pay only. Brand deals and influencer income are separate earnings.

How much do entry-level Models make in the USA?

Entry models earn $30k–$45k per year with regular work. Many start with part-time gigs and build up.

Do top fashion models make six figures?

Top editorial, runway, and commercial models earn between $100k and $200k or more each year from bookings and deals.

Which U.S. states pay Models the most?

New York and California have the highest average wages. New York pays about $91,690 a year. California pays around $83,680 annually.

Are modeling gigs steady full-time jobs?

No, most models work gig-to-gig. Only a few have steady, full-time jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects little change in employment over the next decade.

How do union contracts affect pay?

Union contract rate sheets set minimum pay for commercials. They also include pension and health contributions. This raises baseline pay for jobs covered by the union.

Can a hobby model become full-time?

Yes, with help from an agency, a good portfolio, and regular bookings, a hobby model can become a full-time model. Expect a ramp-up period.

Do modeling agencies charge fees?

Some agency services come with portfolio or web fees. Always check contracts, as reputable agencies disclose fees upfront.

How much does social following add to pay?

Micro- and macro-influencer rates differ, but even small followings can earn paid posts. These can help boost modeling income.

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Note: All pay information is current as of 2025. Data comes from several global salary surveys and government statistics, 2025.