How Much Money Do Child Models Make in Australia?
If you’re thinking about getting your child involved in the modelling and entertainment industry, a question that often gets asked is ‘how much money can my child earn?’.
The answer to that question can be tricky because in this industry there are unfortunately no guarantees that your child will secure paid work.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how much money your child could potentially earn, be mindful that in the modelling and entertainment industries there are no guarantees of work, even if your child is signed with the best agent in the business. An agent will work as the ‘middleman’ between the client and talent but cannot create work or have the final say in what talent gets booked.
The amount of money your child could earn depends on a number of variables, including the client, the job, and how long your child has been in the industry. It's very common for children starting out to not receive work straight away, however with some perseverance and patience there are always new opportunities on the horizon.
The starting rate for children is usually about $80 per hour for print work (photoshoots) and goes upwards from there. Some larger jobs, such as TV Commercials, can pay well into the thousands, especially if the advertisement is rolled over or continued for longer than originally planned.
Being signed with an agent ensures that your child is always being paid the correct rate and is picking up appropriate work. Attempting to ‘freelance’ as a child model can often result in little to no paid work, where clients may pay in the form of clothing, prints, or gift vouchers. While that type of payment is not illegal and securing any work is exciting, it's important that you and your child are compensated for your time.
Another question that often gets asked is who gets paid the money, the child or the parent? In Australia, all payments must be made into a bank account in the child’s name. This allows for easy identification of the child’s income and stops it's getting confused with the parent’s money at tax time.
If you’re only wanting to get your child involved for the money, then the industry might not be right for you. With no promise of work and pay rates being as little as $80, while not impossible, it is unlikely your child will earn a significant amount. The money shouldn’t be what entices you into this industry, it should be the experiences and opportunities that come with it.
