Models Salary in U.S. (2024)
The median pay for a models in U.S. is $89,990/year ($43.26/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $38K at the entry level to $124K for experienced workers.
Updated
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
So what does $90K get you in U.S.?
About models
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level models (10th percentile) start around $38K. Mid-career wages sit at $90K.Top earners bring in $124K or more - a $86K spread from bottom to top.
Models pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $90K | +0% | N/A |
| California | $62K | -31% | 880 |
| Pennsylvania | $58K | -36% | 120 |
| Indiana | $52K | -43% | N/A |
| Alaska | $50K | -45% | N/A |
| Texas | $50K | -45% | N/A |
| Illinois | $47K | -48% | 50 |
| Maryland | $46K | -49% | 30 |
| Virginia | $45K | -50% | 50 |
| Florida | $45K | -51% | N/A |
| Ohio | $39K | -56% | 350 |
| New Jersey | $34K | -62% | N/A |
Track models salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when U.S. numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do models make in U.S.?
The median is $89,990 a year - that works out to about $43.26 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $38,010, and experienced models can clear $124,380. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $90K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,975/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 23.6% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a models salary go in U.S.?
U.S. has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median models salary is worth about $89,990 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do models get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.