Models Salary in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ
The median pay for a models in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ is $89,990/year ($43.26/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $90K at the entry level to $90K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 112.56), so that salary is closer to $79,948 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,910/month — about 51.5% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $90K get you in New York-Newark-Jersey City?
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ
Entry-level models (10th percentile) start around $90K. Mid-career wages sit at $90K.Top earners bring in $90K or more - a $0 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 |
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BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when New York-Newark-Jersey City numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do models make in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ?
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 $89,990, and experienced models can clear $89,990. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $90K enough to live in New York-Newark-Jersey City?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,612/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,910/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 51.9% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a models salary go in New York-Newark-Jersey City?
New York-Newark-Jersey City has a Regional Price Parity of 112.56 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median models salary is worth about $79,948 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.