How Much Do Baby Models Get Paid?
Seeing adorable children in commercials or on the cover of magazines is awe-inspiring. It’s not surprising that many parents wonder how much do baby models get paid, and if it would be possible for their child to become one of these superstars.
However, a successful career in child modeling requires more than a good looking smile and bright eyes. It takes patience, hard work, and the right agency.
How do you get your baby model career started?
Just like any other model, baby models need an agent to help them find jobs and book them for photo shoots. A modeling agency can help you submit a portfolio, answer questions about your baby, and schedule meetings with clients.
It’s important to understand the industry before deciding to model for a living, as there are many scam artists out there who will take your money and never give you anything in return. Be aware of these scams before you sign a contract with an agent, and steer clear of agencies that require a joining fee or application fees.
If you’re ready to pursue a modeling career, the first step is to choose an agent. It’s best to choose an agent that is local and based in your area. It’s also a good idea to research the agency before you join, and look for reviews from previous clients.
Some reputable agencies don’t charge an agency fee or registration fee for new clients. Others will take a small percentage of the total money your child earns, but that’s still a lot less than the cost of preparing a portfolio, traveling to auditions, and paying for travel expenses.
The Cute Kid:
The website The Cute Kid claims that the average pay for a child model is about $70 per hour. This rate may go up to $75 if the agency has connections with high-end catalogs and print advertisers.
Magazines:
The rates for modeling in magazines and catalogs can be as low as $50 an hour. This is because baby models often have only an hour or two to shoot, plus the agent gets a 10- to 20-percent commission.
Commercials:
If a baby models for a commercial, they can make anywhere from $475 to $100,000, depending on the length of the commercial and whether it airs in a single location or a variety of locations. In addition, the model can receive residual pay, which is compensation for airplay, similar to royalties.
Gigs:
The average number of gigs that a baby model can expect to get in a year is two, with young kids working no more than two hours a day.
Some child models make millions of dollars a year, but that’s not the norm. A few of the highest-paid kids are Ekaterina Samsonov, who earned $50k last year; Baylor and Hudson Cryder, who earned $45k; and sisters Emilie and Alexandra Su, who both made a total of $8k in 2010.
Getting Started:
The best way to start your modelling career is to submit a portfolio to an agency. The portfolio should be professional, show off your baby’s good looks and be able to capture their personality. It should include at least 10 pictures of your child in their natural environment and at a few different angles.
