How Much Should I Charge as a Model?

Ideally, you would like to charge as much as you can. However, the rule that governs how much a model can charge is the same rule that governs all the other services. That is, the price is set by the demand and supply.

On the one hand, at $100 per hour, most people would probably want to be models, and make $200,000 a year (assuming 50 work weeks here). So, at $100 per hour, there is probably not going to be a problem with the supply.

On the other hand, at $100 per hour, most art directors and photographers probably cannot afford to hire a model full time. So, at $100 per hour, there is probably going to be a problem with the demand.

So, how much should I charge as a model? If I charge $100 per hour, and get to work 8 hours a week, I can expect to make $800 a week, or $40,000 a year. However, if I only get to work 4 hours a week, I can only expect to make $400 a week, or $20,000 a year.

What if I only get to work 1 hour a week? I could be making $5,000 a year, but I probably won’t be in the modeling business for very long.

If I charge only $12 an hour, and I have everything it takes to be a good model, everyone probably wants to hire me. At $12 an hour, I am such a bargain that I can expect to work full time and make $24,000 a year. In all probability, there may be more people that want to hire me than I have time for, at this price. When that’s the case, I can raise the price.

How do I know when I should raise or lower the price?

It’s very simple. When there is more time available than there is work, it’s probably time to lower the price; and when there is more work than there is time, it’s probably time to raise the price.

How do I find work?

Call up the photographers. Don't work for just one photographer unless you two have a written contract that guarantees you enough hours of work each week. Work for as many photographers as you can find. Ask the photographer for other photographers' phone numbers. If your photographer is competent enough, he is not afraid to share you with other photographers. Lastly, call up the photographers EVERY WEEK.