How much money do child models make

How Much Money Does a Kid Model Get Paid?

Growth Trends for Related Jobs

Wanda Thibodeaux

•

Updated September 26, 2017

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Businesses produce products and services not just for adults but for kids as well. Subsequently, companies need child models to act as representatives and show off what the companies are doing. Some child models earn nothing at all, but a few beat the odds and are able to land major deals that may pay $100,000 or more.

Average Compensation

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics includes child models in its general model category, although child models may not do as many gigs as a professional adult model does. The average compensation for the entire model group is $42,560 per year, as of May 2010. This breaks down to about $20.46 per hour.

Range

The BLS shows a range for models of $19,830 to $60,030 per year, as of May 2010. However, some child models, particularly those who are just starting out, don't make any money at all. They do gigs just to build a portfolio. According to Deborah Skolnik of "Parents" magazine, some child models made $100,000 per year in commercials. The website Modeling for Kids asserts that the income potential for child models in television, film and commercials is virtually unlimited.

Breakdown by Modeling Type

According to Modeling for Kids website, child models make around $70 per hour in photo shoots for magazines, as of 2011, while Skolnik claims magazine editorials pay $25 to $75 per hour. Modeling for Kids places the rate for advertisements between $1,000 and $1,200 per day, while Skolnik says the catalog rate is $75 per hour. Skolnik also says that product package modeling pays kids around $125 per hour, while commercials can range anywhere from $475 to $100,000, depending on the scale on which the commercial airs and for how long.

Other Factors That Influence Pay

Some child model employers pay the parents and guardians of the child model an additional fee for chaperoning, as well as for travel expenses. These are not guaranteed, however, and usually are fairly small. Child models, similar to adult models, may have agents. If the child model has an agent, then the agent will take a cut of the earnings, usually around 20 percent.

Because children have other commitments, such as school, most do only two or three jobs a month, with young kids working only about two hours at a time, according to Skolnik. This means that even though there technically is no cap on what a child model can earn, logistically, even if a child were to get the average of two gigs a month that both paid at least $100,000 -- this is not very likely, as only the best child models land these agreements -- pay would top out at around $2.4 million per year.

Considerations

Most child models do modeling as a fun hobby, and many parents and guardians end up putting the money in trusts or college savings funds. Parents and guardians interested in getting their child into child modeling should be aware that a large percentage of child modeling jobs and agencies are scams.

References

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; Models; May 2010

Writer

Wanda Thibodeaux is a freelance writer and editor based in Eagan, Minn. She has been published in both print and Web publications and has written on everything from fly fishing to parenting. She currently works through her business website, Takingdictation.com, which functions globally and welcomes new clients.

Child Modeling: Is It Lucrative To Get Into?

Each day, maybe even without knowing it, you flip through magazines, pass a billboard, or see a commercial on the television with an adorable cherub-cheeked child that is the "face" of a brand or is helping to promote a specific product. You might find yourself wondering how you can get them into the business, knowing fully well how adorable they are. But is child modeling a lucrative business? We delve into the topic a little more so that you'll be informed about the basics of child modeling careers and how much it pays.

Contents

Why child models?
How to find a reputable modeling agency without breaking the bank
How to get great pictures
Submit your pictures
Is it worth the money?
Things to consider

Difficulty

Hard

Duration

1 hour

What You Need

Why child models?

Advertisement agencies need to reach certain amounts of customers. People create an instant connection because, well, humans relate to other humans. What better way to catch their attention than with another person? Of course, it depends on what is being advertised. But when it comes to clothes, baby accessories, and more, children make great models that parents can relate to, since they have children themselves.

That is why advertisement agencies are constantly looking for child models to help advertise their products. Just take a look at any department store kids' clothing or toy section, and you will see a bubbly child on a sign somewhere.

How to find a reputable modeling agency without breaking the bank

So many parents think that they need to spend massive amounts of money on photographers to get expensive headshots, a new wardrobe for their child, and modeling classes in order to get their child in the modeling business. But this is simply not so. Here are some tips on how to find a reputable modeling agency for your child:

Step 1: A great way to begin is to do a quick Google search of modeling agencies that are around your area. However, one must note that if you live closer to a metropolitan area or a more populated area, your chances of finding reputable modeling companies are high. But if you happen to live in a remote area, there may not be one close to you, unless you are willing to travel.

Ailbhe Flynn/Pexels

Step 2: If you find companies of interest during your internet search, write them down and make a list.

Step 3: After you have made your list, take a good, hard look at it. Look up the agencies or companies that you have on your list. Make certain that they have decent reviews and a good reputation because the last thing you need is to be scammed, especially when it comes to your child. You do not want to lose money on an irresponsible agency or person that may claim that they can get your child into modeling.

Step 4: The best thing is to ask around, too. Find some groups online, and see who they may recommend.

How to get great pictures

After you have found your list of reputable agencies, it is time to start taking photos. But you do not have to go out and spend a ton of money on glamour shots. Taking simple photos with some simple clothing will do just fine. Here are some tips to help you get great pictures on a budget:

Step 1: Pick out colors of clothing that bring out your child's eyes and keep it simple. You don't have to find pageant dresses or tuxedos, just regular clothing.

Step 2: You can hire a photographer or you can take the shots with your phone.

Step 3: If you want to retouch any of the pictures you can use home-based software or retouch them at any photo kiosk in any multitude of stores.

Submit your pictures

Now comes the time when you submit your photos to the agencies that were compiled on your list. Some will call you back, and others may not. They'll ask you to come in for an interview with your child. Some agencies may hire directly on the spot if they are interested in having your child model for them. Other companies prefer to mull it over and will get back to you. Some may not get back to you at all, and that is okay. You do not want your child to have too many modeling jobs, anyway. You still want to keep those precious childhood years, after all.

Is it worth the money?

This all depends on how much money you envision making with child modeling. It could be a small side business for you and your child, especially if you are in a more rural area. If you live in a metropolitan area, a few agencies can offer all the way up to $150 an hour. However, some agencies prefer to pay by the day. It all depends on what agency you are going with. If your child does land a gig, make sure you look over the contract carefully so that you don't miss anything.

At that point, it may be wise to get an agent for your child, depending on how far you would like to go with it. If you and your child would like to even possibly make a career out of this, an agent will be able to help guide you throughout the process.

terng99/Shutterstock

Things to consider

Having your child model may sound like a fun way to help them earn money for their college fund, but there are things that every family needs to consider before introducing their child to the world of modeling:

Your child's size

The agency will likely want to know your child's clothing size, as that will most of the time be a factor for if they will land a gig or not. Some of the most popular sizes are 3, 5, and 10. So, if your child lands in one of those categories, there is a better chance that a modeling agency might want to sign a contract with them. However, if your child is not those sizes, do not get discouraged! Children of all sizes are needed — it just depends on the agency. So, if one agency does not want to book your child or sign a contract with them, you can simply move on to the next company.

What's the right look?

Your child does not have to be drop-dead gorgeous to be a child model. Actually, quite the contrary. Many companies are looking for kids that fit in with today's demographic of children. They are looking for kids who are easygoing and "fit in" with their aesthetic. If you do end up signing with a modeling agency, make sure you have done your homework on them and make sure that it is a legitimate company, as sadly, there are many scammers out there. Every company is different, as is every audition.

Auditions can be short notice

Sometimes, you have about only 24 hours' notice to get to an audition. You have to be willing to travel at a moment's notice if your child's modeling company calls you up and says there is an audition that would be a great fit for your child. That isn't to say that they will absolutely crush the competition and land the role, but auditions are an integral part of child modeling. The company not only has to see how the child looks, but how they act, their demeanor, etc. Those are all important factors in whether or not they may land a gig.

Time is a factor

Modeling can be a time-consuming activity for children, especially if they do land a gig. There is a lot of "hurry up and wait" going on. This is because the photographers want to get the light just right, or if the shoot is outside, it has to be at a certain angle. There are plenty of factors that can take up time.

We suggest bringing snacks and something for them to do while they wait. The same goes for when they are at an audition and the line is out the door. You can keep them occupied by bringing a tablet and some snacks that they can munch on while you wait in line. That way, they won't be bored.

So can child modeling be lucrative? It all depends on the factors listed above. If you are willing to travel, it can definitely bring in some extra cash for your child, and it might even be enough to start a college fund! If you are interested, it is definitely something that you could look into and get more information on it.

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How models make money at New York Fashion Week

September 11, 2017, 13:53 Style

100%

In America, the first fashion week of the top shows belonging to the "big four" is held. What does the modeling career of New York Fashion Week employees look like from the inside and how much do they receive - in the material of Gazeta. Ru.

Twice a year America's hottest girls come to New York Fashion Week to make money. It seems to most ordinary people that all that is required of models is to walk around in beautiful clothes and drink champagne, receiving fabulous money for this. In fact, it's not like that at all. Only a few receive six-figure amounts, while the rest are content with penny salaries or even get stuck in debt to modeling agencies. nine0005

Work for Thanks

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, a model in New York earns $48,000 a year and an average hour of work costs $23. But these are statistics. In fact, "secret fees" are common in the modeling industry - additional agency fees that are charged directly by the client. Commissions are deducted from the final pay of the model, which the girls are often not even informed about. According to ex-model and CEO of Alliance Models Sarah Ziff, in this area there is a particularly acute lack of financial transparency. “The amount that the model receives for her work is agreed between the agency and the client. However, agencies do not always notify models of the expected rate of payment or compensation before the conclusion of the contract, ”the Daily Beast quoted her as saying. Ziff notes that for 8 hours of work, instead of the amount agreed in advance, she received only photos for a portfolio or a brand gift card. nine0005

However, the gift card cannot be used to pay rent and buy groceries for dinner.

The second problem is the debts girls get into. If an agency needs a model to travel, for example, from Arizona to New York, they will pay her airfare, pay her photographers for shooting and retouching, and rent her an apartment. But all this is done on credit, so the model must return the funds invested in it. At the same time, there is no guarantee that the girl’s career will justify the upfront costs. This story happened to 23-year-old ex-model Kelly Mittendorf. “I never made good money modeling. At some point, I had debts to the agencies with which I collaborated, ”she said in an interview with The New York Times. While working, the debt of the model to the agency amounted to a five-figure sum. nine0005

Dozens of girls' and young people's stories of unpaid wages and industry abuse can be found on models.com. For example, London Fashion Week 2016 participant Sidney Gaston told how she was forced to participate in the show during her illness, and after that she was not even paid her salary. “During the rehearsal, I was very dizzy, I went up to the director and said that I could not continue participating, otherwise I would faint.

In response, they told me that I had to go on the podium, otherwise I would not be paid. But I still didn't get paid."0005

, writes the model.

The situation is even more complicated for underage models. According to Sarah Ziff, at a young age, girls still do not know how to negotiate, which agencies actively use. Often, models receive fees late, after complaints about non-payment, or are left with nothing at all. “The workforce in this industry is female and young. If the models were predominantly middle-aged white men, they would be treated very differently, ”she clarified.

Who will give money

Each girl decides for herself how to make herself known in the modeling industry. Some cooperate with agencies, others go to auditions themselves. However, working “for yourself” does not guarantee financial stability either. According to model Kaileen Hill Araki, the industry is now being actively transformed under the influence of social networks. Street castings come to the fore, in which models participate who do not cooperate with agencies and do not know how much their work costs. “I have seen so many street casting models work 15-18 hour days for $150 just to work with a good brand or photographer,” she writes on models.com. “While an agency model can earn $1,500 for the same day of shooting.” nine0005

Modeling agencies sometimes also cheat and pay only one of the participants for the working day. According to Sarah Ziff, the designers booked two models for the 10-hour shoot in Istanbul, but one of the models received an email stating that not everyone would get paid. “You will be paid (amount removed) for the day, but do not say anything to the other model. She will not be paid,” the message said. Ziff noted that both models worked the same amount of time and both were professionals.

nine0002 “Taxi drivers think we are prostitutes”

Russian Fashion Week ended last Friday. Gazeta.Ru talked to models...

March 18 21:38

Lucky few

In other words, some models still manage to make a name for themselves in the modeling business and earn money from it. So, Gisele Bündchen is still in the lead in the modeling business and earns $ 30.5 million, Adriana Lima receives $ 10.5 million, and the current style icons Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid have $ 10 and $ 9.million respectively. Also on the list of the highest paid models are Karlie Kloss, Cara Delevingne, Candice Swanepoel and Liu Wen.

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