Models Salary in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
The median pay for a models in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is $52,140/year ($25.07/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $46K at the entry level to $109K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 102.55), that's roughly $50,843 in purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,810/month — about 51.8% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $52K get you in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington?
About models
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
Entry-level models (10th percentile) start around $46K. Mid-career wages sit at $52K.Top earners bring in $109K or more - a $63K 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 Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington numbers change.
Related careers in Sales
Frequently asked questions
How much do models make in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD?
The median is $52,140 a year - that works out to about $25.07 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $46,330, and experienced models can clear $108,950. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $52K enough to live in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,528/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,810/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 51.3% 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 Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington?
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington has a Regional Price Parity of 102.55 (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 $50,843 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.