Models Salary in California
Models in California earn a median of $57,400 a year, +18% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $57,400
- vs. U.S. median
- +18% ($48,470)
- Rank among states
- 4 of 16
- Jobs in the state
- 990
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $35,400; the top 10% earn over $131,470. Nationally the range is $34,190 to $131,470.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance$140,870 median in California
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers$47,010 median in California
- Choreographers$75,000 median in California
- Floral Designers$47,040 median in California
- Music Directors and Composers$93,090 median in California
- Costume Attendants$72,030 median in California
Models pay in California
How much do models make in California?
The median is $57,400 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $35,400 and the top 10% earn over $131,470. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for models?
On pay alone it ranks 4 of 16 (+18% vs. the national median of $48,470). Living costs are not included.