How much does a model earn? Well, at UK Models, we’ve written before about the kinds of figures that top models can make. To refresh your memory, it goes a little something like this:

A Victoria’s Secret Angel is reportedly paid $100,000 per show, and each model is worth loads in her own right. Lily Aldridge is reported to earn about $2 million a year, followed by Gigi Hadid at 2.5, Kendall Jenner who gets 4 million, Alessandra Ambrosio and Candice Swanepoel at 5 million each and Adriana Lima and Cara Delevingne at an impressive 9 million. The world’s highest paid model is Gisele; with an astounding $44 million a year.

This is all incredible when you think about your future and the kind of top dollar that you’re looking to be inspired by; but to attain your dreams you have to start somewhere! So, how much does a model earn – you know, the kind who isn’t yet a household name?

How Much Does A Model Earn In Real Life?

Unfortunately, a lot of figures available on the web are American based, but there are some European ones too. It’s good to see how different types of modelling can attract different daily rates or salaries.

According to one American website, a professional fashion model earns an average of $339.42 an hour. Of course, you have to factor in the question of how many hours of work they are actually to find before finding a conclusive answer to the overall question of how much does a model earn!

In British figures, a plus sized model can earn a lot of money, too. Tess Holliday has paved the way, breaking all conventions. Catalogue work can earn a popular model around £1,800 a day, for example at Simply Be. A great model who isn’t as well-known during more difficult financial times can expect to get between £1,200 and £1,500 for one day’s work, if they’re a regular model who’s known to the brand. Shooting abroad also garners extra fees, as does travel. Looking again at plus sized models, a magazine editorial shoot would earn a model about £250 a day, lingerie £400-600, whilst a catwalk show might get her £150.

The figures for models in general starting out might be similar to plus sized models, but it would vary. Traditionally, smaller models have always earned more, but tides are changing and it depends on the demand, level and publication.

How Much Does A Model Earn When She’s Starting Out?

A lot of models start off offering their time for print, or TFP. This means they can build her portfolio and gain experience as well as a name for themselves, but there’s no actual money exchanged.

You could also consider working as a Floor Model for a major retailer, for example, Hollister pays around £7 an hour and hires on the basis of looks, getting around employment laws by classing staff as models who are exempt! You could also get into promo modelling, which can start at minimum wage and go up to £25-100 per hour, depending on the brand you’re endorsing and the requirements. It’s a good way to get experience being on your feet all day and being expected to adhere to certain beauty standards!

The above figures are for female models, because these are the ones most readily available. Unfortunately, males to tend to make less, but as things are so varied, you could be the one to break the mould! Remember, unlike at a lot of jobs, your earning potential can peak quite young, unless you discover a niche. So, always stay on your toes and instead of thinking ‘how much does a model earn’, think about how much you PERSONALLY could earn!