How much does a model make?
The median model in the United States earns $48,470 per year, about $23.30 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all models earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. SOC code 41-9012.
Model salary range
Pay for models spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $34,190 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $131,470. The average (mean) wage of $72,800 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $34,190 | $16.44 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $35,710 | $17.17 | |
| Median (50th) | $48,470 | $23.30 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $99,320 | $47.75 | |
| 90th percentile | $131,470 | $63.21 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for models (SOC 41-9012), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2025.
Model salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Models earn the most in Arizona at $109,910 a year, and the least in Georgia at $15,080. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $109,910 | N/A |
| New York | $107,280 | N/A |
| New Jersey | $60,520 | N/A |
| California | $57,400 | 990 |
| Illinois | $53,280 | 60 |
| Maryland | $47,170 | 40 |
| Texas | $46,840 | N/A |
| Florida | $45,900 | 620 |
| Virginia | $45,720 | 40 |
| Rhode Island | $45,060 | N/A |
| Oregon | $42,880 | 40 |
| Ohio | $42,550 | 120 |
| Nebraska | $41,600 | N/A |
| New Hampshire | $39,890 | N/A |
| Missouri | $34,610 | N/A |
| Georgia | $15,080 | 130 |
State median wages for models (SOC 41-9012), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2025. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for models
The BLS projects employment of models to shrink from 2025 to 2035 (down 2.1%). That is a decline, against 3.5% average growth for all occupations. That works out to roughly 4,200 jobs in 2025 moving toward 4,100 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 700 openings a year for models. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a model
The typical entry-level education for models is no formal educational credential, according to the BLS.
A four-year college degree is usually not required to start, which makes this one of the jobs you can enter without a bachelor's degree. See more high paying jobs without a degree .
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a model earns
Commission structure, product, employer, and territory drive a wide pay spread. Top performers in high ticket sales earn far above the median.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (Arizona, $109,910) and the lowest (Georgia, $15,080) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 3,780 people work as models in the United States. At $48,470 a year, the job pays below the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs.
Model salary FAQ
How much does a model make an hour?
The median hourly wage for a model is $23.30. The middle half of models earn between $17.17 and $47.75 per hour.
What is the highest model salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of models earn more than $131,470 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a model make a year?
The median annual salary for a model is $48,470. The average (mean) wage of $72,800 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being a model a well paid job?
At $48,470 a year, a model earns below the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs. About 3,780 people work as models in the United States.
Which state pays models the most?
Arizona has the highest median salary for models at $109,910 a year. New York ($107,280) and New Jersey ($60,520) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2025.
Is being a model a good career?
Employment of models is projected to shrink 2.1% from 2025 to 2035, a decline, against 3.5% average growth for all occupations. The BLS projects about 700 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a model?
No. The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for models as no formal educational credential, so a four-year degree is usually not required to start.
Related salaries
See more in Sales & Retail salaries or browse the highest paying jobs in the U.S.