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: Art Class Model · Art Model · Artist's Model · Figure Model · Fine Arts Model · Life Drawing Model
Median pay (national)
$89,990
$38,010–$124,380 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
5,350
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
-0.5%
~1,200 openings/yr
Typical entry
No formal educational credential
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for models shows an unusually wide range: the top 10% earn $124,380 versus $38,010 at the bottom 10% — 3.3x. The median of $89,990 leaves roughly 38% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change -0.5% from 2024 to 2034 — a projected decline, against +3% across all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 1,200 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 12 states with released data, New York pays the most for this role (median $89,990, 0% vs the national median), while New Jersey sits lowest at $33,970 — a 165% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.
Tailor your resume to Models
Honest tailoring
See how your resume lines up with Models
Refit re-angles your real experience toward this role using the skills above — and never invents skills you don't have. A no-fabrication gate checks every change before you see it.
Free. No account needed to see your first re-fit.
Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Mathematics
- Learning Strategies
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Pose for artists and photographers.
- Record rates of pay and durations of jobs on vouchers.
- Gather information from agents concerning the pay, dates, times, provisions, and lengths of jobs.
- Report job completions to agencies and obtain information about future appointments.
- Pose as directed, or strike suitable interpretive poses for promoting and selling merchandise or fashions during appearances, filming, or photo sessions.
- Follow strict routines of diet, sleep, and exercise to maintain appearance.
- Apply makeup to face and style hair to enhance appearance, considering such factors as color, camera techniques, and facial features.
- Work closely with photographers, fashion coordinators, directors, producers, stylists, make-up artists, other models, and clients to produce the desired looks, and to finish photo shoots on schedule.
- Assemble and maintain portfolios, print composite cards, and travel to go-sees to obtain jobs.
- Dress in sample or completed garments, and select accessories.
Tools & technology
- Apple iOS
- Apple Safari
- Tumblr
- Web browser software
- YouTube
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Fine Arts
- Transportation
- Communications and Media
- Administration and Management
- Computers and Electronics
- Public Safety and Security