Models

Earnings for models vary according to experience and depend on the number, length, and type of assignments he or she receives. Salaried models earned a median annual salary of $23,774 a year in May 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest paid 10 percent earned less than $18,325, annually, while the highest paid 10 percent earned an annual salary of $49,130. However, top models have the potential to earn much more. Female models working for agencies make $75 to $200 or more per hour. Hourly wages are higher for photographic models working in large metropolitan cities such as New York, Miami, Los Angeles, or Chicago and for models who are in great demand. Top photographic models signed to exclusive contracts with cosmetic firms may earn $1 million or more per year. Male models generally earn less than their female counterparts, for similar work. Almost all models work with agents and pay 15 to 20 percent of their earnings in return for an agent's services.