What They Do
Models typically perform the following tasks:
• 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.
• 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.
• Dress in sample or completed garments, and select accessories.
Career Video
Video from CareerOneStop, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor
Key facts
Median: $89,990
Employment: 6,700
Growth (2024–2034):
-1.0%
Education:
No formal educational credential
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Intelligence Metrics
Automation Risk Assessment
Medium RiskWork-Life Balance Score
7.5/10Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
4.4
Realistic
5.0
Investigative
5.4
Artistic
8.0
Social
9.0
Enterprising
5.8
Conventional
Powered by O*NET Career Profiling
Personality Match: The higher the score (out of 10), the better this career matches that personality type. People with similar interests and work styles tend to be most satisfied in careers that match their personality profile.
Top Skills
Discipline
Interpersonal skills
Listening skills
Organizational skills
Persistence
Photogenic
Style
Strengths
- High Demand
- Flexible Work
- Continuous Learning
Challenges
- Burnout Risk
- Rapid Technological Change
Median Salary Comparison
Employment projection (2024–2034)
Geographic Employment & Wage Analysis
BLS OEWS Data Updated 2024-05States with Highest Employment
- California 880
- Ohio 350
- Pennsylvania 120
- Illinois 50
- Virginia 50
- Utah 40
- Maryland 30
BLS OEWS data (2024-05)
Regional Wage Variations
-
California -31%$62,400
-
Ohio -56%$39,310
-
Pennsylvania -36%$57,530
-
Illinois -48%$46,960
-
Virginia -50%$44,860
-
Maryland -49%$45,760
-
Alaska -45%$49,880
-
Florida -51%$44,510
-
Indiana -43%$51,570
-
New Jersey -62%$33,970
BLS OEWS state wage data
Top Metropolitan Areas
New York-Newark-Jersey City
Employment: High
Growth: +3.2%
Los Angeles-Long Beach
Employment: High
Growth: +2.8%
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin
Employment: Medium
Growth: +1.5%
Dallas-Fort Worth
Employment: Medium
Growth: +4.1%
San Francisco-Oakland
Employment: High
Growth: +2.3%
Based on BLS metropolitan area data
Industries with Highest Concentrations
Publishing, broadcasting, and content providers
85%
Ambulatory healthcare services
70%
Educational services; state, local, and private
55%
Regional Job Market Outlook
Strong
West Coast
Stable
Northeast
Growing
South