Models Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
The median pay for a models in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $49,780/year ($23.94/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $50K at the entry level to $73K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 110.42), so that salary is closer to $45,082 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,483/month — about 101.3% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $50K get you in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Entry-level models (10th percentile) start around $50K. Mid-career wages sit at $50K.Top earners bring in $73K or more - a $23K 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 San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do models make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median is $49,780 a year - that works out to about $23.94 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $49,780, and experienced models can clear $72,940. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $50K enough to live in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,397/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,483/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 102.5% 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 San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara has a Regional Price Parity of 110.42 (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 $45,082 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.