Fashion Stylists

Earning potential varies based on the skill and experience levels of the stylist and his or her geographic location and employer. Salaries at production houses can start as low as $8 an hour (or $64 per day), but usually include fringe benefits like health insurance, not to mention a regular paycheck. Fashion stylists earned median hourly salaries of $20.22 ($42,058 annually) in 2024, according to PayScale.com. Earnings ranged from less than $12.40 ($25,792 annually) to $102.03 ($212,222 annually).

Freelance stylists have enormous earning potential. An experienced, well-known fashion stylist can demand $1,000 or more a day, depending on his or her reputation and the budget of the production. Regular bookings at this level, along with travel and accommodation costs (almost always paid for), translate into a substantial income.

Most stylists, however, earn less and average approximately $350 to $500 per day. Assistant stylists, who are hired by the day, can expect to make approximately $150 to $200 per day.

Neither assistants nor stylists who are freelancers receive any kind of benefits. They must provide their own health insurance and retirement, and they receive no pay for sick or vacation days. In addition, while a stylist may have a job that pays $500 a day for several days, there is no assurance that a stylist will find steady employment. It is wise to establish an emergency fund in the event that work disappears for a time. Busy periods often correspond to seasonal advertising campaigns and film work. A stylist might have a great year followed by a disappointing one. Freelancers must file their own quarterly tax returns and purchase their own health insurance.