Sales
Model
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.
Median pay
$48,470
Growth to 2035
−2%
declining
Openings a year
700
Time to qualify*
Minimal
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Model
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- No formal educational credential
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Model: 0% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Pose for artists and photographers.
Also called: Art Class Model · Art Model · Artist's Model · Figure Model · Fine Arts Model · Life Drawing Model · Model · Nude Model
Outlook and AI
Models held 4,200 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 4,100 by 2035 (−2%, declining; all jobs: +3.5%).
Capital/labor substitution - share decreases as the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated models grows, reducing the need for models.
Compare with
- Model vs. Fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators
- Model vs. Makeup artists, theatrical and performance
- Model vs. Photographer
- Model vs. Costume attendant
- Model vs. Craft artist
- Model vs. Camera operators, television, video, and film
- Model vs. Demonstrators and product promoters
- Model vs. Fashion designer
- Model vs. Actor
- Model vs. Dancer