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Modeling & Pay Rates: How Much Should You Charge?

(This post is more targeted towards freelance models and not those with agency representation, although it may apply to those that have an agent but continue to find their own work.)

A part of being a successful model is making money from the jobs that you book. However, being a freelance model comes with many challenges--figuring out what you should charge is one of them. I will say upfront that there are no established black and white rules when it comes to pay rates.

Each modeling job is different, each client is different and budgets vary. Ultimately the factors that should influence what you charge should be the amount of experience you have, the strength of the images in your portfolio and the client's budget/needs. Not every client is going to pay what you want to charge.

There may be times when you will be skipped over for charging too much or taken advantage of for charging too little. It's going to happen so be prepared for it and do not take it personally. It comes with the territory.

The level of a model's experience is a huge determining factor when it comes to pay rates. New and inexperienced models can expect to first undergo test shoots to build up their portfolio before charging for their services. There is no actual time limit or specified amount of years you need to be modeling before you can start charging.

However, it is important to make sure you can walk the walk. For example, if you are a new model that has been modeling for a few months and done a couple of test shoots but want to start charging, you better make sure that you can work your poses and deliver as if you're a pro. If a client is paying you anything, they will expect the bar to be very high and if you can't perform, it won't be a good start to your career. So be realistic about your skills and ability when thinking about making the move from strictly doing test shoots to adding in paid shoots.

If you've got a ton of experience and the resume/portfolio to back it up, then clients will understand that using your services will come at a price. Of course not all clients that use freelance models will pay the going industry rate, so even if you have a lot of experience, don't expect to be making the same amount per gig that an agency represented model would.

Are there clients that don't mind paying the industry rates to freelance models that agency models would normally receive? Of course but more times than not you'll be working with clients that have much smaller budgets--hence their need to use freelancers instead of models from an agency.

Some questions you should ask yourself when trying to figure out what to charge a client:

1. What is the client's budget? (usually they will state what they are willing or able to pay--minimum or maximum amount--or will just ask you what you charge for a shoot that lasts "X" amount of hours)

2. What type of gig is it? fashion, commercial, glamour, swimsuit, tradeshow? (swimsuit, glamour and artistic nude clients typically pay higher rates because of the nature of these types of shoots)

3. How long is the shoot? (quick 1-2 hour shoot, a half day, full day or multiple day shoot)

4. Are there any perks involved? (will they pay for transportation, lodging, meals)

5. What do you need to provide? (outfits, do your own hair and makeup, props)

Again, the pay rate for each potential gig should be considered on a case-by-case basis. There is always room for negotiation, which tends to work in your favor better than being too strict about what you charge. I've gotten gigs by stating what my rates were and then mentioning that I was willing to negotiate or compromise if my rates were outside of their budget. Or I will ask the client what pay range they felt would work for them and then decide how I felt about the proposed rate and if the opportunity would be worth going lower than my standard rates.

If the shoot is going to be a full day (6-8 hours or longer) or requires travel, then you should stick to your guns and fight for fair pay. If the client is not going to cover transportation and lodging then you should factor those costs into what you would charge since those expenses will be coming out of your pocket. However, most clients have no problem with paying higher rates if they know the model has to travel and stay at a hotel overnight in order to work for them.

But it isn't uncommon for a client to pay much less to models that are local so if you come across a great modeling gig that is within city limits but the rates are lower, you'll have to decide if it is worth it. They aren't necessarily trying to screw you over--more than likely they figure that if you're local it won't cost you as much to get to them so they may feel they don't need to pay a higher rate to compensate for travel costs.

Modeling pay rates can be per hour, flat rate or a day rate. If the shoot is short (1-3 hours), then an hourly rate is appropriate (i.e. $50 - $75/hour for models with a bit of experience and $75 - $100/hour or higher for experienced/pro models).

For half day shoots (between 4-5 hours) you can charge a flat rate (i.e. $200 for models with some experience and $300 or higher for experienced/pro models). Full day shoots (6-8 hours or longer) should also be charged a flat rate (i.e. $300-400 for models with some experience and $500 or higher for experienced/pro models).

If it is a multiple day event then you should charge a day rate, which should be negotiated with the client. This type of arrangement typically applies to tradeshows, conventions and similar events. The rates listed are just examples and may not necessarily "add up" the right way, especially if you're the type to break it down with a calculator. But then again, it's not supposed to.

When it comes to pay rates and modeling, you can't always crunch the numbers the way you would if you worked at a part-time job or a regular 9-5. It is up to you to decide what you want to charge based on what is required of you and what the client will or will not provide.

Ultimately, the best piece of advice I can offer on this topic is to treat each gig individually and weigh the pros and cons. With time and practice you will eventually get a better feel for what you should charge and feel confident in the fact that you're worth the rate. If you find that no one will pay your rates you may want to step back and reconsider your price ranges if they are a bit too high.

The economy has made things more difficult and does affect the modeling industry so keep that in mind. Are clients not even willing to pay you after you've dropped your rates? Then unfortunately, they are just trying to take advantage of your skills. Stick to your guns and continue to push for those clients that will pay.

Comments

LadyRed said…
Just what I was looking for, very helpful thank you!! x
Anonymous said…
i might hire a couple models for a clothiing website im launching next month. this post was very helpful, as i have no idea wat to pay the models. thanks.
lopezpatricia15 said…
Very Helpful!! Thanks for the info :)
Anonymous said…
Thanks! very convenient and useful article!
Thanks for providing information regarding modeling jobs.your blog is fantastic.
Anonymous said…
Your advise is so helpful!
Supernova said…
Hello,
I am a model with little experience in the field.I have recently got an offer to do a shoot for a foreign commercial brand.I was just wondering how much payment should I ask for since I am inexperienced.It is an 8 hour shoot.Since it is a Holland based company and I am an Indian,I am really Confused regarding the pay.Can you please help me out? Thank you.
P.S I love this blog.Really helpful.
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Supernova! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #607," which can be found on my new blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
Dani Louise said…
Hi Dania,
I've Just realised that I have been under charging. so this is very helpful. I've never really been comfortable with how much I should charge but now I think I have an idea! Thank you!
Anonymous said…
What if you're modeling for an artist that's drawing you, instead of a photoshoot? What kind of rates would you charge then? You tend to be holding a pose for much longer than a photoshoot...
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Anonymous! You'll find the answer to your question in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #781," which can be found on my other blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
Anonymous said…
Thanks for the article! What are your thought on a freelance photographer offering a percentage of the sale of their photos - what percentage is reasonable?

Many thanks!
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Anonymous! You'll find the answer to your question in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #826," which can be found on my other blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
Dania Denise said…
Hi Tara! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #898," which can be found on my other blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
Unknown said…
Thanks for the article. I'm about to take some pictures of my Show Car to hand out pictures. I have a couple of girls lined up for a shoot, and did not know how much to pay them.
Lil Russia PS said…
Thank you so much for posting this!
As an aspiring model, I honestly struggle with coming up with rates when people wish to work with me. But after working with several professionals/photographers they have informed me of what rates are too low and what's too high. I agree with you that it definitely depends on different factors such as the perks and how long we are shooting for.

Follow me to view some of my work xoxo:
Instagram: @ps.nyc
Twitter: @pstacks_


Still a work in progress but I've come such a long way <3
Aria said…
Thank you for the wonderful article! I would really appreciate your advice on my situation.

I recently did headshots for a photographer for possible stock images. It was a TFP arrangement and 1 1/2 hour shoot. The photographer was very pleased with my performance and surprised to know that I have not modeled before. He told me he sees the talent in me and if I do more modeling, I may want to make a separate modeling page to help promote myself. He also wants to do another shoot with me.

Two other local photographers approached me the next day after they viewed my posted headshots. They are both interested in a TFP arrangement. They appear to be accomplished photographers and have their own studios. Would you suggest I accept the TFP arrangement and not charge for my time, perhaps use it as an opportunity to build my portfolio?

Thank you very much!
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Aria! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #952," which can be found on my other blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
Anonymous said…
Hello Dania! Thanks so much to have created a diary. I just discovered it and it helps so much. I've been a life model for art galleries. Recently I have been approached for nude photography and I would like to know if the rates differ from the full clothed photography. Also, I couldn't find where is the limit to quote a nude or semi nude photo shoot. For example, if I have my hair in front of my nipple and a short, then technically I'm semi-nude in the studio in front of the photographer but still, the result of the photo is that nobody sees any erogenous area. How do you make the difference and quote the right rates? Does suimwear and underwear are the same rates than full clothed in the industry? Thank you for your time and for your expertise!
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Anonymous! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #957," which can be found on my other blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
PhilaGi said…
It all depends on the model, agent and client for pricing per... A solid game for your career will gain you success and longevity with out leeching your life and light away to wishy washy offers. Why are you a model anyways. ponder upon that...
Unknown said…
I do appreciate this post. My daughter is starting to model and this post gives excellent information to a newbee.
Graphics said…
Amazing article. It's really informative. Thank you so much for share your good blog.
Anonymous said…
Thank you for the info. I appreciate it. I'm reading this and seeing that it was published going on 10 years ago and so I'm wondering how acurite you'd say the prices quoted in your article would be today?
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Anonymous! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #996," which can be found on my other blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
Pete Bliss said…
Aria,

I know You posted this long ago but I wanted to find out how Your modeling career is doing? I usually pay models between $25-75 per hour. I use fitness models almost exclusively so the fittest models that know what they are doing get the middle or top fee. Some Models don't really know what are reasonable fees so just throw out whatever they think they can get. I did two different shoots with an experienced model that gets $100/hr for Her fit look however I told Her My budget was $25/hr but I told Her I would make up for the difference in promoting Her right after the shoot. We shot for 3 hrs. My goal was to get Her pumped up physically for Her surprise. I took Her down the hill to a major casting call for animal planet. She got a $10,000 contract on the spot. There were about 50 models there competing for the one spot. I KNEW what they wanted. They wanted a very fit country girl so I made Her "pump up" Her muscles just before She auditioned for the spot. The producer said "I saw Her coming from the top of the hill" which impressed Him. When She read the script She got hired. Moral of the story. If You overcharge the wrong guy You MAY miss an opportunity for the big spot. If a model charges $300/hr then the photographer usually is making $30,000 from the photos of You and Your photos are either stock shots (Selling Your images for years to different companies) of for large companies and You may find Your shots on billboards. I have heard of girls shooting, going o vacation and seeing themselves on the side of a building for cosmetic advertisements.Not a problem for a model. Its just that that photographer needs to make His money back many many times. I will also say that the girl I shot at $75/hr was 45 years old, fitter than ANY model I have ever shot with and would shoot any shot I needed. Just My thoughts.
Hi!
This is a great article! I just started my own blog and I am totally taking a lot of your advice to heart! Thank you so much!!
Unknown said…
Please am invited for an interview and my agency asked how much I can collect per job, what should I say?
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Unknown!

I apologize for the late reply. Things have been a whole new level of hectic with everything going on these days.

I hope things turned out well with your agency interview, although I'm a bit confused by them asking you how much you can collect per job. It is the agency's job to negotiate and set the pay rates their models would receive when booking work. So I'm not sure why the modeling agency would ask you that question.

Should you read this reply, I hope you'll update me as to how the interview went and clarify why they asked that, I am very curious to know!

Best of luck to you, either way!

Best,
Dania Denise
Anonymous said…
Hi Dania, my name I Grace. I love your article, it really helps.
Although, I surprised that till this day I can’t seem to figure out
if we are suppose to include the makeup hours before a shoot
in the x per hour charges..

Hope to get a reply from you soon 😊
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Grace! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #1,010," which can be found on my other blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
Unknown said…
Just what I was looking for.Thank you for this.am a freelance model and am still doing some test shooting and it's hard to get a photographer to collaborate with mainly because am not yet a pro.how do I step up my A game
Unknown said…
Thanks. Very helpful.
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Unknown [December 25, 2020 at 10:11AM]! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #1,012," which can be found on my other blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
Unknown said…
Excellent article. Thank You Very Much
I have been searching for a website like this in the field I am interested in. I am a big fan. I was thinking about creating my own blog about similar ideas for like-minded people. Some good ideas here. Thanks, I can only hope mine turns out as good as this one

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