You’ve seen the Instagram posts-the flawless skin, the runway walk, the designer clothes. You’ve probably wondered: how much do beginner models make a year? The truth? It’s not what you think. For every model you see on a billboard, there are dozens working part-time gigs, skipping meals to afford portfolio shots, and sleeping on couches while chasing their break. If you’re a young woman thinking about starting out, here’s the real breakdown-no fluff, no fairy tales.
Direct Answer: How Much Do Beginner Models Make?
Most beginner models in 2025 make between $8,000 and $25,000 a year. That’s before taxes, agent fees, and expenses. If you’re lucky, you land a few paid gigs a month. If you’re not, you might go weeks without work. The top earners? They’re usually in major markets like Dubai, New York, or Milan-and even then, only after 6-12 months of grinding. For most, modeling is a side hustle, not a salary.
What Beginner Modeling Really Looks Like
Think of modeling like a freelance job where you’re the product. You don’t get a paycheck every Friday. You get paid per job-and those jobs are unpredictable. A beginner might do:
- A 2-hour local fashion show for $150
- A 4-hour product shoot for a Dubai-based skincare brand for $300
- A 1-day catalog shoot for a regional e-commerce site for $500
- Free work for a photographer building their portfolio (yes, this still happens)
You’ll spend more time waiting than working. Waiting for casting calls. Waiting for replies from agencies. Waiting for photos to be approved. One model in Dubai told me she sent out 87 applications in three months and got three callbacks. Two of them paid. One paid $50.
Where the Money Actually Comes From
Not every modeling job pays the same. Here’s how income breaks down for beginners in 2025:
- Commercial Modeling (ads, catalogs, e-commerce): $100-$500 per session. This is where most beginners start. Brands want relatable faces, not just runway looks.
- Fashion Shows: $50-$300 per show. Often paid in cash, sometimes in clothes or food.
- Editorial Shoots: Usually unpaid at first. But they build your portfolio. A good editorial shot can lead to paid work later.
- Instagram Sponsored Posts: If you hit 5K-10K followers, you might get $50-$200 per post. But you need to post daily, engage constantly, and look good in natural light.
- Agency Commission: Most agencies take 20% of your earnings. That’s standard. But some shady ones take 30% or more. Watch out.
Let’s say you land four paid gigs a month-two commercial shoots at $300 each, one fashion show at $200, and one Instagram post at $100. That’s $900 a month. After agency fees ($180), you’re left with $720. Multiply that by 12? $8,640 a year. That’s the average.
Why Dubai Is Different
If you’re in Dubai, you have an edge-but also more competition. The city attracts international brands looking for diverse, photogenic faces. A beginner here might land a campaign for a luxury hotel chain or a regional beauty brand. Pay rates are higher than in smaller Gulf cities. A single commercial shoot can pay $800-$1,500 if you’re in the right niche.
But here’s the catch: Dubai has strict rules. You need a work permit to get paid legally. Most agencies won’t hire you without one. And if you’re on a tourist visa? You’re working illegally. That’s risky. Some models get away with it for months. Others get fined, deported, or blacklisted.
Real talk: if you’re serious about modeling in Dubai, get your residency. It’s not glamorous, but it’s the only way to build a real career.
What You’ll Actually Spend
Modeling isn’t free. You pay to play. Here’s what most beginners spend in their first year:
- Portfolio Photos: $500-$1,500. You need at least 15-20 high-quality shots. Don’t skimp. Bad photos = no bookings.
- Travel: $200-$800. You’ll need to go to castings, shoots, and meetings. In Dubai, that means trips to Dubai Media City, Jumeirah, or Al Quoz.
- Wardrobe: $300-$1,000. You need neutral-toned clothes, heels, and accessories. Brands don’t provide outfits.
- Agent Fees: 20% of earnings. If you earn $10,000, you give away $2,000.
- Makeup & Hair: $50-$150 per shoot. Some shoots include it. Most don’t.
So if you earn $15,000 in your first year, you might spend $4,000-$6,000 just to make it happen. That leaves you with $9,000-$11,000 net. Not bad-if you’re okay with living frugally.
Types of Modeling for Beginners in 2025
Not all modeling is the same. Here are the most realistic paths for new models:
- Commercial Modeling: Everyday people in ads. Think pharmacies, banks, supermarkets. This is the safest entry point.
- Plus-Size Modeling: Demand is rising. Brands want real bodies. Pay is similar to commercial.
- Swimsuit & Lingerie: Higher pay per shoot ($400-$1,200), but harder to break into. You need confidence and the right agency.
- Fit Modeling: You measure a specific size and test clothing. Pays $50-$150/hour. Stable work if you hit the right measurements.
- Runway: Rare for beginners. You need height, walk, and connections. Most runway models start in Europe or Asia.
If you’re 5’7” or taller, you can try fashion. If you’re 5’3”-5’7”, commercial or fit modeling is your best shot.
How to Find Modeling Jobs in Dubai
You can’t just walk into an agency and get signed. Here’s how real beginners find work:
- Build a simple portfolio with 10-15 clean photos. No filters. No heavy editing. Natural lighting only.
- Apply to 5-10 agencies in Dubai. Stick to ones listed on ModelMayhem or The Fashion Model Directory. Avoid anyone asking for upfront fees.
- Join Facebook groups like “Dubai Models & Talent 2025.” Castings are posted here daily.
- Follow local brands on Instagram. DM them with your portfolio. Many small brands hire directly.
- Go to open calls. Agencies hold them every month. Show up on time. Dress simply. Be polite.
One model I spoke to got her first paid job after showing up to an open call at a warehouse in Al Quoz. She wore jeans and a white tee. They booked her for a 3-hour shoot for a local coffee brand. She made $400. She still uses that photo in her portfolio.
What to Expect on Your First Shoot
Your first shoot won’t be glamorous. You’ll probably be in a small studio with 3 people: a photographer, a stylist, and a producer. The lights will be hot. You’ll stand in the same spot for 20 minutes while they adjust the camera. You’ll be told to “look more natural,” even though you’ve practiced 100 expressions in the mirror.
They might ask you to wear something you’re uncomfortable with. Say no. You don’t have to do anything that makes you feel unsafe. You’re not a product-you’re a person.
Bring water, snacks, and a change of clothes. No one will remind you. You’ll be exhausted. You might cry. That’s normal.
Beginner Model vs. Influencer: What Pays Better?
Many beginners think they should become influencers. But here’s the truth:
| Factor | Beginner Model | Beginner Influencer |
|---|---|---|
| Income per month (avg) | $600-$2,000 | $0-$500 |
| Work stability | Higher-brands hire for specific shoots | Unpredictable-depends on follower growth |
| Upfront cost | $500-$1,500 (portfolio) | $0-$300 (phone, editing apps) |
| Time to earn | 1-3 months after portfolio | 6-12 months to reach 5K followers |
| Agency help | Yes-agencies book jobs | No-you handle everything |
Modeling gives you faster, more reliable income. Influencing takes years and luck. If you want to earn now, focus on modeling. Build your influencer presence later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be super skinny to be a beginner model?
No. The industry is changing. Commercial, fit, and plus-size modeling don’t require extreme thinness. Most brands today want real, relatable bodies. Height matters more than weight. If you’re between 5’3” and 5’10” and have a healthy look, you have a shot.
Can I model part-time while studying?
Absolutely. Most beginner models juggle school, jobs, or family. Shoots usually happen on weekends or after work. You can treat modeling like a side hustle. Just be realistic-don’t expect to quit your day job anytime soon.
How do I avoid scams?
Never pay to join an agency. Legit agencies make money when you do. If someone asks for $500 for “portfolio training” or “casting fees,” walk away. Check reviews on Google and ModelMayhem. Ask for references. If they can’t give you names of current models, it’s a red flag.
Do I need a visa to model in Dubai?
Yes. If you’re getting paid, you need a work visa. Tourist visas don’t allow paid modeling. Working illegally can lead to fines, deportation, or a ban from the UAE. Agencies that hire without visas are breaking the law-and putting you at risk.
Is modeling worth it if I only make $10,000 a year?
It depends. If you’re doing it for the money, probably not. But if you love the creativity, the confidence, the travel, and the chance to be seen? Then yes. Many models use it as a stepping stone-to acting, design, or entrepreneurship. The real value isn’t in the paycheck. It’s in the doors it opens.
Final Thought: It’s Not About the Money
If you’re reading this because you want to make $50,000 a year as a beginner model, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. But if you’re reading this because you want to see what’s possible-if you want to stand in front of a camera, own your presence, and learn how to turn your look into opportunity-then go for it.
Modeling isn’t a dream job. It’s a job. And like any job, you get out of it what you put in. The ones who stick around? They’re not the prettiest. They’re the ones who show up, stay professional, and don’t quit after the first rejection.
So if you’re ready to try? Start with your portfolio. Take one good photo. Send it to one agency. And see what happens.
