Models
Model garments or other apparel and accessories for prospective buyers at fashion shows, private showings, or retail establishments. May pose for photos to be used in magazines or advertisements. May pose as subject for paintings, sculptures, and other types of artistic expression.
Also called: Agent Model, Art Class Model, Art Model, Artist's Model, Character Impersonator, Clothes Model
Median pay
$48,470
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$34,190 – $131,470
People employed
3,780
Holland code
ARE
Artistic · Realistic · Enterprising
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 2.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 3.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 4.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 5.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 6.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 7.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 8.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
Models pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (16 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What models do
- 01Record rates of pay and durations of jobs on vouchers.
- 02Pose for artists and photographers.
- 03Gather information from agents concerning the pay, dates, times, provisions, and lengths of jobs.
- 04Report job completions to agencies and obtain information about future appointments.
- 05Assemble and maintain portfolios, print composite cards, and travel to go-sees to obtain jobs.
- 06Pose as directed, or strike suitable interpretive poses for promoting and selling merchandise or fashions during appearances, filming, or photo sessions.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Monitoring
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Fine Arts
- Transportation
- Communications and Media
Work styles that stand out
- Self-Confidence
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: none or short demonstration.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from models
- Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance74% · +100%
- Costume Attendants71% · +4%
- Photographers66% · −8%
- Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators63% · +14%
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers61% · −19%
Change into models
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers65% · $39,390
- Floral Designers64% · $37,360
- Costume Attendants61% · $50,400
- Choreographers60% · $55,310
- Photographers58% · $44,660
Majors that lead here
- Fashion Modeling
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.