What Does a Model Do?
If a garment, product or pose has to be seen on a real person, models are usually involved too. In fact, so many businesses need a live subject that many models choose to specialize. Some become fit models for clothing makers, while others pose for advertising shoots, runway shows or drawing classes at colleges and art schools.
Model Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of a model include:
- Pose for photographers, designers and art classes, holding positions and changing them on cue.
- Walk runways and showrooms in sample garments so buyers can see fit and movement.
- Try on sample garments for designers, reporting how each one fits, stretches and moves.
- Attend castings arranged by an agency, bringing a portfolio and a printed card of photos and measurements.
- Update a portfolio and online profile with recent photos and current measurements.
- Follow direction from photographers and stylists on expression, angle and posture.
- Hold still for long stretches in figure drawing or sculpture sessions, with scheduled breaks.
- Promote products at trade shows, stores and events, answering basic questions from shoppers.
- Maintain the grooming, fitness and wardrobe basics that clients expect at each booking.
- Track bookings, invoices and agency fees, and arrange travel to shoots.
Required Skills and Qualifications
To succeed as a model, you will need the following skills and qualifications:
- Posing and body awareness
- Taking direction quickly
- Stamina to hold poses and stand for hours
- Punctual, prepared and courteous on every booking
- An up-to-date portfolio
- Resilience after rejection at castings
- Grooming and fitness habits
- Basic business skills for invoices, contracts and taxes
Education and Training
Entry is open to people of all backgrounds, as clients look for models of different ages, sizes and looks. No formal education is required. Most models learn through practice shoots and coaching from an agency, but some start out by posing for college art classes or local store catalogs.
Salary and Job Outlook
Typical pay: $35,710 - $99,320 per year, with a median of $48,470.
The range covers the middle half of earners nationwide. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Models.
BLS projects employment of models to decline about 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, with only about 700 openings a year across the country. Competition is intense. Bookings often are tied to advertising budgets and fashion seasons, but models will still be needed as brands launch new lines and as art schools hold figure drawing classes.
Outlook source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2025 to 2035, Models.