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.
Other Job Titles for This Work
Workers in this occupation report titles such as Art Class Model, Art Model, Artist's Model, Figure Model, Fine Arts Model, Life Drawing Model, Nude Model, Studio Model.
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.
Model Pay Range
| Earners | Annual pay |
|---|---|
| Bottom 10% earn less than | $34,190 |
| Bottom 25% earn less than | $35,710 |
| Median (half earn more, half less) | $48,470 |
| Top 25% earn more than | $99,320 |
| Top 10% earn more than | $131,470 |
Highest-Paying States for Models
The states with the highest median pay for this occupation are Arizona ($109,910), New York ($107,280), New Jersey ($60,520), California ($57,400), Illinois ($53,280). Pay is lowest in New Hampshire ($39,890), Missouri ($34,610), Georgia ($15,080).
Median pay in all 16 states with BLS data
| State | Median annual pay |
|---|---|
| Arizona | $109,910 |
| California | $57,400 |
| Florida | $45,900 |
| Georgia | $15,080 |
| Illinois | $53,280 |
| Maryland | $47,170 |
| Missouri | $34,610 |
| Nebraska | $41,600 |
| New Hampshire | $39,890 |
| New Jersey | $60,520 |
| New York | $107,280 |
| Ohio | $42,550 |
| Oregon | $42,880 |
| Rhode Island | $45,060 |
| Texas | $46,840 |
| Virginia | $45,720 |
What the Work Is Like
O*NET surveys people who work as models about their daily conditions. Of those surveyed:
- 85% work indoors in a climate-controlled space every day
- 38% bend or twist for more than half the day
Education Workers Say the Job Needs
| Education level | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or GED | 76% |
| Less than high school | 17% |
Tools and Software Models Use
Tools and equipment
Software
Is This Job a Good Fit for You?
People who do well in this job tend to enjoy creative work and self-expression as well as hands-on work with tools, machines or the outdoors.
Skills O*NET rates most important: Social Perceptiveness, Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Coordination, Reading Comprehension.
Knowledge areas used most: Customer and Personal Service, English Language, Fine Arts, Transportation, Communications and Media.
Preparation: O*NET places this occupation in Job Zone 2 of 5, which means some preparation.
Related Careers
These jobs use similar skills, according to O*NET's related-occupation data:
Applying for a Model Job
- Job application letter sample
- How to write the skills section of a resume
- How to describe your work experience
- Job interview tips
- Interview thank-you note
The Job Explorer never charges candidates any money. If someone asks you to pay to apply for a model job or to get hired, treat it as a warning sign.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2025 to 2035.
- O*NET 30.1 Database, occupation 41-9012.00 (Models). View on O*NET OnLine.
This page includes information from the O*NET 30.1 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. The Job Explorer has modified some of the information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these changes.