Expert: Kitty Kavey - 5/18/2005

Question
Ms. Karvey;   My 9 year old granddaughter wants to be a model, so I am helping her research the modeling industry.  My question is what kind of salary would an average model be looking at, in child, teen, and adult?   Thank You, Karen Matthews  

Answer
The majority of models are not salaried, but paid per job/per hour.  What they are paid depends on where they are, and what type of modeling they are doing.  For example: A runway model in Los Angeles might make $200/day, while the same runway model in Paris might make $500/day.  An event, tradeshow or promotional model may earn $13-15/hour in Orlando, while in a larger market they can earn a third to twice that per hour.  Calendar, swimsuit and fitness models are more likely to be paid a flat rate per project, which again depends on where they are, what they are shooting, and what it's going to be used for.  Commercial print models can be paid per project or per hour, but again, most types of models are not salaried.  Spokesmodels are somewhat the exception, in that they are paid to represent a product for a period of time - however, that sum is usually paid as a one-time endorsement fee, not as a salaried employee.  As such, models in general are paid as sub contractors, rates vary widely throughout the different areas of the world, and for different types of modeling.  Beyond that - things to consider concerning modeling earning opportunities; As in the entertainment industry, there are seasons, so there are times where there is a lot of work, and times where it is slow.  Also, an individual's look, personality and professionalism affect their ability to get work (and continue to keep getting work) in the modeling industry. There is a bit less work for younger children, but generally once you become a teen, young adult or adult the per hour/per job rates would be the same, depending on the variables listed above.
Good luck to your granddaughter,
~Kitty