Model Salary in 2026
How Much Do Models Make?
Models earn a median annual salary of $89,990 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $38,010 at the 10th percentile to $124,380 at the 90th percentile — a range of $86,370. The highest-paying state is New York at $89,990.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,010 |
| 25th percentile | $45,760 |
| Median (50th) | $89,990 |
| 75th percentile | $89,990 |
| 90th percentile | $124,380 |
Model Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| New Yorktop | $89,990 |
| California | $62,400 |
| Pennsylvania | $57,530 |
| Indiana | $51,570 |
| Alaska | $49,880 |
| Texas | $49,510 |
| Illinois | $46,960 |
| Maryland | $45,760 |
| Virginia | $44,860 |
| Florida | $44,510 |
| Ohio | $39,310 |
| New Jersey | $33,970 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Models
Model Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$38,010 – $45,760 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$89,990 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$89,990 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $124,380+ |
How to Earn More as a Model
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Models in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA earn $66,310 — $-23680 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($89,990) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Model Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Modelthis career | $89,990 |
| Art Director | $111,040 |
| Craft Artist | $38,480 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrator | $60,560 |
| Special Effects Artists and Animator | $99,800 |
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SOC: 41-9012.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.