Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Developing original ideas, approaches, designs, or solutions.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
No formal educational credential is required and training is limited. Specific requirements depend on the client. However, most models must be within certain ranges for height, weight, and clothing size to meet the needs of fashion designers, photographers, and advertisers. PayThe median hourly wage for models was $23.30 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of models is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 700 openings for models are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for models. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of models with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about models by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
The median hourly wage for models was $23.30 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of models is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 700 openings for models are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for models. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of models with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about models by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of models is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 700 openings for models are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for models. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of models with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about models by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Models pose for artists, photographers, and other clients to help advertise products.
Work Environment
Models work in a variety of conditions, from comfortable indoor studios and runway fashion shows to outdoors in all weather conditions. Most models work part time and have unpredictable work schedules. Many also experience periods of unemployment.
How to Become a Model
No formal educational credential is required and training is limited. Specific requirements depend on the client. However, most models must be within certain ranges for height, weight, and clothing size to meet the needs of fashion designers, photographers, and advertisers.
Pay
The median hourly wage for models was $23.30 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of models is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 700 openings for models are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for models.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of models with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about models by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Models work in a variety of conditions, from comfortable indoor studios and runway fashion shows to outdoors in all weather conditions. Most models work part time and have unpredictable work schedules. Many also experience periods of unemployment.
How to Become a Model
No formal educational credential is required and training is limited. Specific requirements depend on the client. However, most models must be within certain ranges for height, weight, and clothing size to meet the needs of fashion designers, photographers, and advertisers.
Pay
The median hourly wage for models was $23.30 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of models is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 700 openings for models are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for models.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of models with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about models by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for models.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of models with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about models by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about models by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.