The median pay for Models is $48,470 a year ($23.30/hr), according to BLS OEWS, May 2025. Employment is projected to fall 2.1% through 2035, with about 700 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.
- SOC 41-9012
- Sales and Related
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Model in four numbers
- Median pay
- $48,470a year, or $23.30/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $34KTop 10% $131K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- -2.1%DecliningBLS EP, 2025–2035This career−2.1%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career −2.1% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 7004,200 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 20254.2K
- Projected 20354.1K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 4.2K Projected 2035 4.1K - Typical education
- No formal credentialneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Less than high school17.4%
- High school76.3%
- Some college2.4%
- Bachelor's3.9%
Highest education held by models Segment Value Less than high school 17.4% High school 76.3% Some college 2.4% Bachelor's 3.9%
Also advertised as: Art Class Model, Art Model, Artist's Model, Figure Model, Fine Arts Model, Life Drawing Model.
Pay
How much do Models make?
Every model in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$48,470
Middle half earn $35,710 to $99,320
- 10th
- $34,190
- 25th
- $35,710
- 75th
- $99,320
- 90th
- $131,470
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $34,190 |
| 25th | $35,710 |
| Median | $48,470 |
| 75th | $99,320 |
| 90th | $131,470 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $48,470
- Median hourly wage
- $23.30/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $72,800
- People employed
- 3,780
Versus all US occupations
At $48,470, Models earn 5% below the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $2,510 a year.
Versus sales and related occupations
Inside the Sales and Related group, where the middle occupation pays $73,220, this is 34% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $131,470 or more while the bottom 10% earn $34,190, a gap of 3.8×. That is an unusually wide spread, which usually tracks specialisation, employer type and years of experience.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 19% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
Arizona pays the most at $109,910, and still leads at $109,171 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay Models the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Arizona | $109,910 | $109,171 | N/A |
| 2New York | $107,280 | $99,406 | N/A |
| 3New Jersey | $60,520 | $55,622 | N/A |
| 4California | $57,400 | $51,842 | 990 |
| 5Illinois | $53,280 | $53,302 | 60 |
| 6Maryland | $47,170 | $44,941 | 40 |
| 7Texas | $46,840 | $48,260 | N/A |
| 8Florida | $45,900 | $44,385 | 620 |
| 9Virginia | $45,720 | $45,221 | 40 |
| 10Rhode Island | $45,060 | $44,056 | N/A |
Job outlook
Is Model a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Declining. -2.1% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Models | −2.1% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Declining
BLS projects employment of Models to change -2.1% over 2025–2035, while total US employment is projected to rise 3.5%. That is 100 fewer jobs.
Annual openings
About 700 openings are projected each year, 16.7% of the 4,200 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Less expensive digital and social media options are allowing companies to promote their products and brands directly to consumers, which may moderate employment demand for models. Technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) that allows companies to reuse images of products and models, may also limit demand for these workers. However, demand for models to appear in digital advertisements may lead to some employment opportunities for these workers.
Getting in
How to become a Model
No formal education credential is required to become a model. Specific requirements depend on the client, with different jobs requiring different physical characteristics. However, most models must be within certain ranges for height, weight, and clothing size.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
No formal educational credential
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
None
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Little or no preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as models.
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)76.3%
- Less than a High School Diploma17.4%
- Bachelor's Degree3.9%
- Some College Courses2.4%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 76.3% |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 17.4% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 3.9% |
| Some College Courses | 2.4% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a Model do?
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.
Models pose for artists, photographers, or customers to help advertise a variety of products, including clothing, cosmetics, food, and appliances. Models also work as a fit or fitting model, enabling the manufacturer or fashion designer to achieve the best fit for new styles.
Day-to-day tasks
- Pose for artists and photographers.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Models’ schedules can be demanding and stressful. Many models work part time and have unpredictable work schedules. They must be ready to work for a show or attend a photo shoot on short notice. The number of hours worked varies with the job. Many models experience periods of unemployment.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayIndoors, in a climate-controlled space, every day.
Outdoors in all weather
NeverEvery dayAlmost never works outdoors.
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantConstant contact with other people.
Face-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayDealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayStrict deadlines are rare.
Conflict situations
NeverEvery dayConflict situations are rare.
Cost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lot
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where models work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Educational services; state, local, and private30%
- Self-employed workers8%
- Information7%
- Offices of dentists6%
- Merchant wholesalers, nondurable goods2%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Educational services; state, local, and private | 30% |
| Self-employed workers | 8% |
| Information | 7% |
| Offices of dentists | 6% |
| Merchant wholesalers, nondurable goods | 2% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Active Listening2.8
- Speaking2.8
- Critical Thinking2.6
- Reading Comprehension2.5
- Writing2.0
- Active Learning1.9
- Monitoring1.9
- Mathematics1.3
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Active Listening | 2.8 |
| Speaking | 2.8 |
| Critical Thinking | 2.6 |
| Reading Comprehension | 2.5 |
| Writing | 2.0 |
| Active Learning | 1.9 |
| Monitoring | 1.9 |
| Mathematics | 1.3 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Social Perceptiveness2.9
- Coordination2.6
- Time Management2.5
- Judgment and Decision Making2.1
- Persuasion2.0
- Negotiation2.0
- Service Orientation1.9
- Complex Problem Solving1.9
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Social Perceptiveness | 2.9 |
| Coordination | 2.6 |
| Time Management | 2.5 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 2.1 |
| Persuasion | 2.0 |
| Negotiation | 2.0 |
| Service Orientation | 1.9 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 1.9 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Internet browser software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Operating system software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Web page creation and editing software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Instant messaging software
- Video creation and editing software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Model?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Model |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 5 |
| Investigative | 1 |
| Artistic | 7 |
| Social | 2 |
| Enterprising | 4 |
| Conventional | 2 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around creating, designing and working without a fixed set of rules, combined with hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors.
- Artistic6.9
- Realistic5.0
- Enterprising3.7
- Social2.5
- Conventional2.3
- Investigative1.1
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Model
O*NET related occupations
- Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
Fine Artist, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
$55,490median a year
Most earn $32K to $144K
−2.9%Bachelor's - Personal Care and Service
Makeup Artist, Theatrical and Performance
$97,150median a year
Most earn $23K to $167K
+6.1%Certificate - Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
- Personal Care and Service
- Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
- Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
Camera Operator, Television, Video, and Film
$74,990median a year
Most earn $39K to $135K
+1.3%Bachelor's
- Actor · N/A median
- Dancer · N/A median
More sales and related careers
Median annual pay, with models highlighted
- Sales Engineer$124,900
- Sales Representative, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Product$104,920
- Real Estate Broker$73,220
- Sales Representative, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products$72,080
- Insurance Sales Agent$62,280
- Real Estate Agent$52,830
- Travel Agent$50,160
- Model$48,470
- Cashier$32,880
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Sales Engineer | $124,900 |
| Sales Representative, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Product | $104,920 |
| Real Estate Broker | $73,220 |
| Sales Representative, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products | $72,080 |
| Insurance Sales Agent | $62,280 |
| Real Estate Agent | $52,830 |
| Travel Agent | $50,160 |
| Model | $48,470 |
| Cashier | $32,880 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Questions
Model: frequently asked questions
How much do Models make?
Models earn a median of $48,470 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 5% below the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $23.30/hr. The middle half earn between $35,710 and $99,320. The top 10% earn $131,470 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Model?
No. BLS lists no formal educational credential as the typical entry requirement for Models, and O*NET rates the preparation needed as little or no preparation. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 76.3% hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged).
Is Model a growing career?
No. BLS projects employment to fall 2.1% over 2025–2035, a loss of 100 jobs (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 700 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Model do?
Models pose for artists, photographers, or customers to help advertise a variety of products, including clothing, cosmetics, food, and appliances. A core O*NET task: pose for artists and photographers. Employers most often ask for Internet browser software, Office suite software, Operating system software.
Which states pay Models the most?
The highest state medians for Models are Arizona ($109,910), New York ($107,280), New Jersey ($60,520) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits a Model?
O*NET scores Models highest on the Artistic, Realistic and Enterprising interest areas, so the work mixes creating, designing and working without a fixed set of rules with hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping the closest types are INFP, ENFP, ENTP. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.