How much money can a model or actor make?
Rates vary according to the type of work, market, city, experience, skill and demand for the model/actor. A model or actor's income can range from a zero dollar income to a seven-digit salary. In Canada, catalogue work pays children approximately $50.00 an hour and advertising work closer to $100.00 an hour with with the possibility of additional fees being charged for usage that can run into the thousands!
For Teens and Adults, a model in Canada can earn between $100.00 to $250.00 per hour. If a client wishes to use the photo for advertising purposes there will be additional charges that can easily be in the thousands of dollars. Internationally, a model can earn $2500.00 US to $25,000.00 US per day and can of course have usage fees and buyouts into the hundreds of thousands for advertising campaigns!
There is no one formula for rates as many terms come into play. Your agent will negotiate on your behalf to ensure that you are being compensated according to industry standards for the use of your image. For example, you do a print booking or a television commercial and your day rate in Canada may be anywhere from $700.00 to $2000.00. Once "usage", "buyouts" and / or "residuals" come into play, you could make thousands more from that day's work ("usage") and for your image being further used on a billboard, posters, nationally, in the US, internationally, etc... Remember, when you make money, your agent makes money (commission) therefore it is in your Agent's best interest to negotiate the best rates they can and get the most out of the client!