Models Career, Salary and Skills
Models have a BLS-reported national median annual wage of $48,470 based on the 2025 OEWS dataset, with reported national employment of 3,780. Wage data is published for 28 locations.
Occupation description
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.
O*NET code
41-9012.00
Job zone
2
Typical education
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Experience
None
National salary and employment
Median annual
$48,470
Hourly median
$23.30
Employment
3,780
Data year
2025
National salary distribution
Top skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Social Perceptiveness | 2.88 | 2.62 |
| Speaking | 2.75 | 2.12 |
| Active Listening | 2.75 | 2.62 |
| Critical Thinking | 2.62 | 1.88 |
| Coordination | 2.62 | 2.00 |
| Reading Comprehension | 2.50 | 2.00 |
| Time Management | 2.50 | 2.00 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 2.12 | 1.88 |
| Persuasion | 2.00 | 1.75 |
| Writing | 2.00 | 2.00 |
Typical 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.
Technology
- Apple iOS
- Apple Safari
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Tumblr
- Web browser software
- YouTube
Models salary by location
Areas with the highest reported employment for this occupation.
- Models Salary in CAMedian $57,400 · Employment 990
- Models Salary in FLMedian $45,900 · Employment 620
- Models Salary in Los Angeles, CAMedian $109,820 · Employment 400
- Models Salary in GAMedian $15,080 · Employment 130
- Models Salary in OHMedian $42,550 · Employment 120
- Models Salary in ILMedian $53,280 · Employment 60
- Models Salary in Chicago, ILMedian $53,700 · Employment 50
- Models Salary in Rochester, NYMedian $208,000 · Employment 50
- Models Salary in ORMedian $42,880 · Employment 40
- Models Salary in Anchorage, AKMedian $81,520 · Employment 40
- Models Salary in MDMedian $47,170 · Employment 40
- Models Salary in VAMedian $45,720 · Employment 40
Related careers
- Art DirectorsNational median $114,850
- Camera and Photographic Equipment RepairersNational median $52,720
- Painting, Coating, and Decorating WorkersNational median $41,600
- Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine OperatorsNational median $40,610
- Special Effects Artists and AnimatorsNational median $102,030
- Set and Exhibit DesignersNational median $75,240
- Model Makers, WoodNational median $56,550
- Graphic DesignersNational median $62,960
Career and skills data: O*NET 31.0 (onetcenter.org). Salary and employment data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2025 (bls.gov/oes). Figures are published survey estimates, not real-time market data.