Occupation salary profile

Models

SOC 41-9012 BLS OEWS May 2025

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.

National median · BLS
$48,470
▼ -46.14% YoY
H-1B sponsor median
—
Too few H-1B filings
Average salary · BLS
$72,800
Mean annual wage
U.S. employment
3,780
Jobs (BLS)
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Enter your pay and a location to see where you stand against BLS and H-1B pay, your estimated take-home pay, and your purchasing power.

Pay range for Models

Annual base pay at each percentile. BLS covers all U.S. workers in this occupation.

Percentile All U.S. workers (BLS)
10th — entry pay$34,190
25th$35,710
Median (50th)$48,470
75th$99,320
90th — top pay$131,470

Hourly ⇄ annual pay

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Monthly—
Every 2 weeks—
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Based on hrs/week × weeks/year = 2,080 hrs
Projections 2025–2035

Job outlook for Models

BLS projects employment of models to decline 2.1% from 2025 to 2035, while employment across all occupations grows 3.5%. About 700 openings are projected each year, on average, from new jobs and from replacing workers who retire or move to other occupations.

Jobs 2025 → 2035
4,200 → 4,100
-100 jobs
Projected change
-2.1%
All occupations: +3.5%
Openings per year
700
Average, 2025–2035
Typical entry education
No formal educational credential
No related experience required
Self-employed
7.6% of workers (2025)
Preparation needed (O*NET Job Zone 2)
Very Little to Some Preparation Needed. Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Fastest-declining jobs → Best-paying jobs that need no formal education →

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–2035 · BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook →

Skills & tools

Skills needed for Models

How important each skill and knowledge area is for this job, rated by O*NET on a 1–5 scale from surveys of workers and occupational analysts.

Top skills
  • Social Perceptiveness2.9
  • Active Listening2.8
  • Speaking2.8
  • Coordination2.6
  • Critical Thinking2.6
  • Reading Comprehension2.5
  • Time Management2.5
  • Judgment and Decision Making2.1
  • Negotiation2.0
  • Persuasion2.0
Top knowledge areas
  • Customer and Personal Service2.7
  • English Language2.5
  • Fine Arts2.4
  • Transportation1.8
  • Communications and Media1.8
  • Administration and Management1.8
  • Computers and Electronics1.6
  • Public Safety and Security1.5
Software and technology used
Apple iOSApple SafariFacebookMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordInstagramLinkedInTumblrTwitterWeb browser softwareYouTube

Highlighted = in demand: frequently listed in employer job postings for this occupation (O*NET).

Source: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.

About the job

What models do

  • 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.
  • Assemble and maintain portfolios, print composite cards, and travel to go-sees to obtain jobs.
  • 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.
Also called
Art ModelArtist's ModelFigure ModelModelArt Class ModelFine Arts ModelLife Drawing ModelNude ModelStudio ModelUndraped Artist Model
More job titles for this occupation (18)
Agent ModelCharacter ImpersonatorClothes ModelFashion ModelFit ModelFitness ModelFloor ModelFreelance ModelHand ModelHat ModelInfluencerMale ModelModel BuilderPhotographer's ModelProfessional ModelRunway ModelSales ModelSpirits Model

Source: O*NET 31.0 (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0). These are general job titles, not H-1B filings; for titles employers actually filed, see “Job titles” above.