Types of Specialty Modeling & Pay Rates

I found this information from the following site: Independent Modeling, however, please note that the site hasn't been updated in a while so aside from the information I'm providing here, the accuracy of the other information may be subject to question. These rates are recommended but not set in stone.

These are pay rates that freelance models can use as a guide. Of course depending on your experience and the market you're in, you may not be able to commend higher rates. It will vary from situation to situation so be aware of that and learn to be flexible.

Types of Specialty Modeling:

Parts (hands, feet, teeth, etc)

Very specialized modeling, the demand is not too high, so the jobs demand high rates as parts models must take extreme precautions to protect their assets. For example, a hand model would avoid doing dishes and any harsh work with their hands, and some wear gloves to make sure that their hands are in prime condition.

$300.00 to $500.00 per hour. Day rate $1,000.00 to $10,000.00.

Ethnic Modeling

If you are a minority such as Hispanic, African American, or Asian, this type of modeling does not pay more, but the market is growing, and it presents more opportunities for the independent model. In Miami, there is a strong market for Hispanics, as the culture there is largely Latin. Demographics of a market will be a large factor to determine your marketability as a model.

Standard Rates.

Runway Modeling

When most people think about modeling, they think print work or big runway shows, which makes this prime bait for certain model job scams. You do not need to go to a model school to learn this, as it can be learned on the job that is booked. You don't need a school to learn how to walk, and most models who fit the physical requirements can pull it off well with normal direction and some practice. If you are a model with minor acting experience or consumer level dance training, this will not be difficult.

$250.00 per hour and up.

Fit Modeling

Fit models work with designers and model their clothes for them. More common in larger markets and fashion capitals. This kind of modeling requires patience and endurance, as there are long periods of standing as garments are adjusted on the model. Fit modeling is a great way to get your foot in the door for other types of modeling, however, as you will get a chance to get to know the designer.

$150.00 per hour and up.

Showroom Modeling

This kind of job is more common in larger markets where there are fashion retail showrooms. The models wear the fashion designers clothes for clients and walk in customers, and greet people when they enter.

Day rate $1,000.00 and up.

Promotional Modeling

Promotional modeling is also the lowest paying, with rates below that of even editorial print. Models are hired by night clubs and companies like alcoholic beverage brewers to work events. Many models make a living doing this, as a day rate over $100.00 is common. Promotional models usually do not need the skills and qualifications that trade show and convention model do.

$12.00 to $30.00 per hour, for at least four hours. Day rate $100.00 to $200.00.

Trade Show Modeling

A lot like promotional modeling, but usually manning a booth at a trade show and requiring models with good people skills. For promotional models, the "next level". There are a lot of these jobs in Florida, and especially in Tampa Bay, Orlando, and Miami.

Day rate $200.00 to $500.00.

Convention Modeling

These are "trade shows" that require refined, trained models to do presentations and promote the company, usually from a large booth or exhibit area that the company has set up. Models with acting experience, a mastery of more than one language, and the ability to use presentation aids such as ear pieces, radio transceivers, Teleprompters, video projectors, computers, and laser pointers are cut out for this work.

The pay is great, but so is the responsibility. These models have to be approachable, smart, and witty, as well as have a professional business look. The top level of event modeling. These jobs are often offered in large markets.

Day rate $1,000.00 to $4,000.00.

Glamour/ Boudoir/ Nude Modeling

If it's not print work or for an art class, we cannot recommend it. If it's live, they may call it "modeling", but it probably is not and may have the potential to destroy your modeling career. If you must book this kind of work, only do it with photographers that you know and trust.

The potential to exploit the model is high, and some so-called photographers use this as a way of creating soft porn. Be careful, as this kind of work may limit your marketability in commercial modeling or with sensitive clients. This kind of work also has no business being in a normal modeling portfolio, and especially not on composite cards used to obtain commercial or fashion work!

Triple normal rates.

Alternative Modeling

Alternative modeling is a branch of the modeling industry that features models who do not conform to mainstream ideals of beauty. Alternative models are often niche-specific, with a personal style that represents subcultures like goth, burlesque, latex and fetishism.

An alternative model may for example be tattooed, pierced, or have distinctively subcultural hair (shaved, dyed a distinctively unnatural color, or in dreadlocks). There are specialized publications that feature and promote alternative models, including Alt Fashion and Gothic Beauty. Other magazines like Bizarre feature alternative models for visual emphasis for their features.

Personal adult pay websites exist for alternative models specializing in alternative porn, like Suicide Girls, Razor Dolls, and Gods Girls. Not all alternative models are associated with the porn industry. Alternative models are often employed to promote niche products, either in shops or online, particular subcultural clothing shops and websites.

Rates vary.