Models Salary by State
The national median pay for models is $48,470 a year. By state, it ranges from $15,080 in Georgia to $109,910 in Arizona.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $34,190
- 25th percentile
- $35,710
- Median
- $48,470
- 75th percentile
- $99,320
- Top 10%
- $131,470
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 3,780 jobs.
Median pay in 16 states
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arizona | $109,910 | +127% | $35,050 | $109,920 | Not published |
| 2 | New York | $107,280 | +121% | $44,720 | $213,740 | Not published |
| 3 | New Jersey | $60,520 | +25% | $50,290 | $117,070 | Not published |
| 4 | California | $57,400 | +18% | $35,400 | $131,470 | 990 |
| 5 | Illinois | $53,280 | +10% | $36,450 | $156,000 | 60 |
| 6 | Maryland | $47,170 | −3% | $40,980 | $47,170 | 40 |
| 7 | Texas | $46,840 | −3% | $29,010 | $72,850 | Not published |
| 8 | Florida | $45,900 | −5% | $34,190 | $99,320 | 620 |
| 9 | Virginia | $45,720 | −6% | $31,910 | $48,820 | 40 |
| 10 | Rhode Island | $45,060 | −7% | $45,060 | $45,070 | Not published |
| 11 | Oregon | $42,880 | −12% | $33,450 | $45,720 | 40 |
| 12 | Ohio | $42,550 | −12% | $31,990 | $67,790 | 120 |
| 13 | Nebraska | $41,600 | −14% | $40,730 | $42,790 | Not published |
| 14 | New Hampshire | $39,890 | −18% | $35,080 | $46,840 | Not published |
| 15 | Missouri | $34,610 | −29% | $28,600 | $45,380 | Not published |
| 16 | Georgia | $15,080 | −69% | $15,080 | $55,790 | 130 |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Models salary questions
Which state pays models the most?
Arizona, with a median of $109,910 a year (+127% vs. the national median of $48,470). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays models the least?
Georgia, with a median of $15,080 a year (−69% vs. national).
Where do most models work?
California has the most jobs, about 990, with a median of $57,400.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.