Model salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Models in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area earn a median of $53,700 a year ($25.82 an hour), based on BLS data for 50 workers.
Pay ranges from $45,330 for the lowest-paid 10% to $156,000 for the top 10%. That is 11% higher than the national median of $48,470. Pay here is 1% higher than the Illinois statewide median of $53,280. There are 0.01 models per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.49). The average (mean) salary is $82,850, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for models in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $45,330 | $21.79 |
| 25th percentile | $45,330 | $21.79 |
| Median | $53,700 | $25.82 |
| 75th percentile | $156,000 | $75.00 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $156,000 | $75.00 |
| Average (mean) | $82,850 | $39.83 |
Half of models earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,475 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,237.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,065.38 |
| Weekly | $1,032.69 |
| Hourly | $25.82 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Model salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $34,610 | n/a |
Highest-paying states for models
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Arizona | $109,910 |
| New York | $107,280 |
| New Jersey | $60,520 |
| California | $57,400 |
| Illinois | $53,280 |
| Maryland | $47,170 |
| Texas | $46,840 |
| Florida | $45,900 |
| Virginia | $45,720 |
| Rhode Island | $45,060 |
See Model pay in every state or the Illinois statewide figures.
Related jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Sales Agent | $61,790 | $29.71 |
| Demonstrators and Product Promoters | $36,400 | $17.50 |
| Sales and Related Workers, All Other | $53,270 | $25.61 |
| Telemarketer | $31,200 | $15.00 |
| Real Estate Broker | $67,320 | $32.36 |
| Sales Engineer | $104,070 | $50.04 |
| Cashier | $35,010 | $16.83 |
| Retail Salesperson | $35,820 | $17.22 |
| Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel | $70,710 | $34.00 |
| Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products | $75,350 | $36.23 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers | $48,900 | $23.51 |
| Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | $100,760 | $48.44 |
| Insurance Sales Agent | $69,240 | $33.29 |
| Counter and Rental Clerks | $38,180 | $18.35 |
More: Sales and Related Occupations · all salaries in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 41-9012. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a model make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median salary for models in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area is $53,700 a year, or $25.82 an hour. Pay ranges from $45,330 for the lowest-paid 10% to $156,000 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid models make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The top 10% of models in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area earn at least $156,000 a year. The top 25% earn $156,000 or more.
What is the starting pay for models in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $45,330 a year, and a quarter of models earn $45,330 or less.
How many models work in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
About 50 models are employed in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area, not counting the self-employed.