Models

41-9012.00 Zone 2 — Some Preparation Needed

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 known as: Agent Model, Art Class Model, Art Model, Artist's Model, Character Impersonator, Clothes Model, Fashion Model, Figure Model, ...

Annual Salary

$89,990

Median annual wage (May 2024)

$45,760 25th – 75th percentile $89,990
10th percentile $38,010
90th percentile $124,380
U.S. Employment: 5,350

Job Outlook

-0.5%

Projected growth, 2024–2034 (Declining)

Annual Job Openings 1,200 per year (avg. 2024–2034)
Typical education: No formal educational credential

What You'd Do

  • Pose for artists and photographers.
  • Gather information from agents concerning the pay, dates, times, provisions, and lengths of jobs.
  • Follow strict routines of diet, sleep, and exercise to maintain appearance.
  • Record rates of pay and durations of jobs on vouchers.
  • Report job completions to agencies and obtain information about future appointments.
  • Assemble and maintain portfolios, print composite cards, and travel to go-sees to obtain jobs.
  • 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.
  • Apply makeup to face and style hair to enhance appearance, considering such factors as color, camera techniques, and facial features.
  • Pose as directed, or strike suitable interpretive poses for promoting and selling merchandise or fashions during appearances, filming, or photo sessions.
  • Dress in sample or completed garments, and select accessories.

Top Skills

Social Perceptiveness 2.9
Active Listening 2.8
Speaking 2.8
Coordination 2.6
Critical Thinking 2.6
Reading Comprehension 2.5
Time Management 2.5
Judgment and Decision Making 2.1

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Knowledge Areas

Customer and Personal Service 2.7
English Language 2.5
Fine Arts 2.4
Transportation 1.8
Communications and Media 1.8
Administration and Management 1.8
Computers and Electronics 1.6
Public Safety and Security 1.5

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation by education level

High School
76.3%
< High School
17.4%
Bachelor's
3.9%
Some College
2.4%

Technology & Tools

Software and tools commonly used in this role

In-Demand Technologies

Apple iOS Apple Safari Facebook Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Word

Other Tools

Instagram LinkedIn Tumblr Twitter Web browser software YouTube

Work Styles

Personality traits and work styles important for this career

2.3
Self-Confidence
1.9
Social Orientation
1.3
Dependability
1.2
Optimism
1.0
Stress Tolerance
1.0
Self-Control
0.9
Adaptability

Key Abilities

Cognitive, physical, and sensory abilities important for this role

Oral Comprehension 2.9
Oral Expression 2.8
Speech Recognition 2.8
Gross Body Equilibrium 2.8
Trunk Strength 2.8
Gross Body Coordination 2.8
Speech Clarity 2.8
Extent Flexibility 2.6

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on this job

Performing General Physical Activities 4.4
Thinking Creatively 3.5
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships 3.2
Scheduling Work and Activities 3.0
Getting Information 2.8
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work 2.6
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public 2.6
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates 2.4

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Work Environment

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
4.8
Contact With Others
4.7
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
4.0
Freedom to Make Decisions
3.7
E-Mail
3.5
Spend Time Sitting
3.4
Physical Proximity
3.3
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
3.3
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
3.0
Telephone Conversations
3.0
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
3.0
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
3.0

Related Careers

Talent Directors
$83K
Art Directors
$111K
Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers
$49K
Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
$41K
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
$40K
Special Effects Artists and Animators
$100K
Set and Exhibit Designers
$66K
Model Makers, Wood
$52K
Graphic Designers
$61K
Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers
$37K

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Salary data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Outlook data: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034.

This page includes information from the O*NET 30.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.