How Much Does a Model Make? Salary by State
Median annual salary (U.S.)
$48,470
Models in the U.S. earn a median of $48,470 a year, or $23.30 an hour. Half of models earn more than $48,470 and half earn less. The top 10% make more than $131,470.
Pay percentiles for models
| Percentile | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $16.44 | $34,190 |
| 25th | $17.17 | $35,710 |
| 50th (median) | $23.30 | $48,470 |
| 75th | $47.75 | $99,320 |
| 90th | $63.21 | $131,470 |
U.S. wages, May 2025. BLS occupation: Models (SOC 41-9012). Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
Highest-paying states for models
| State | Median annual | Median hourly | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $109,910 | $52.84 | +127% |
| New York | $107,280 | $51.58 | +121% |
| New Jersey | $60,520 | $29.10 | +25% |
| California | $57,400 | $27.60 | +18% |
| Illinois | $53,280 | $25.62 | +10% |
| Maryland | $47,170 | $22.68 | −3% |
| Texas | $46,840 | $22.52 | −3% |
| Florida | $45,900 | $22.07 | −5% |
| Virginia | $45,720 | $21.98 | −6% |
| Rhode Island | $45,060 | $21.66 | −7% |
| United States | $48,470 | $23.30 | — |
Top 10 states by median annual wage, May 2025. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
How many models are there?
BLS counts about 3,780 models employed in the U.S. (May 2025, excluding the self-employed). The most jobs are in California (990), Florida (620) and Georgia (130).
The mean (average) annual wage is $72,800, higher than the median of $48,470.
Hourly to annual pay calculator
Per year
- Monthly
- $4,039
- Biweekly
- $1,864
- Weekly
- $932
- Daily (8 hours)
- $186
- Hours per year
- 2,080
BLS annual figure; hourly × 2,080 may differ slightly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do models make an hour?
The median hourly wage for models is $23.30. The middle 50% earn between $17.17 and $47.75 an hour.
Which state pays models the most?
Arizona has the highest median wage for models at $109,910, +127% vs. the U.S. median.
What is the starting salary for models?
BLS does not report pay by experience, but the lowest-paid 10% of models earn less than $34,190 a year, a common proxy for entry-level pay.