What Does a Model Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does a model do?

Models pose for artists, photographers or customers to help advertise a variety of products, including clothing, cosmetics, food and appliances. The median pay is $48,470 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about On-the-job learning, and employment is projected to grow -2.1% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$48,470
$23.30/hour · May 2025
Job growth
-2.1%
2025–35, a projected decline
Openings per year
700
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
No formal educational credential
BLS classification
Time to train
On-the-job learning
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
4,200
Employment, 2025

What models do

Models help sell products and inspire art. They pose for photo shoots and ads, walk runways, work as fit models for designers, model for art classes and appear in commercials and online content.

No formal education is required. Most work through agencies and are self-employed. It is a very small, competitive field.

Typical duties

Pose for photos
Walk runways
Attend castings
Fit garments
Model for art classes
Maintain appearance
Build a portfolio

Work environment and schedule

Models work in studios, on location, on runways and in classrooms.

Schedule: Irregular, with early calls and travel.

A day in the life

7:00 AMArrive for hair and makeup.
9:00 AMShoot a catalog.
12:00 PMBreak.
1:00 PMShoot more looks.

See a full day in the life of a model →

Model salary

Half of models earned more than $48,470 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $34,190 for the lowest 10% to $131,470 for the top 10%.

$34,19010th$48,470Median$131,47090th

Full model pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a model

Get simple digitals
Research reputable agencies
Attend open calls
Build a book
Book jobs

No formal educational credential is required.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a model →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Posing
Runway walking
Taking direction
Fit modeling
Portfolio building

People skills

Confidence
Professionalism
Resilience
Punctuality

All model skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Creative industry
Travel
Flexible schedule
Varied work

Cons

Very competitive
Irregular income
Rejection
Appearance pressure

Certifications and licenses

Agency representation: Common path.
SAG-AFTRA membership: For commercials.
Runway coaching: Optional.
Business license: Self-employed.

Career path

New Face: Entry.
Working Model: Regular bookings.
Established Model: Top clients.
Brand Ambassador or Agency Booker: Advance.

Learn the job before day one

Our Model training (6 hours, $59.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as spot a modeling scam and prepare for a casting, safety and how to land your first job.

View Model training Is this career right for me?

Photographer

Capture images for clients, events, products and stories.

$44,660
6 months–2 years

Fashion Designer

Design clothing, shoes and accessories from sketch to store.

$80,960
4 years

Makeup Artist

Create looks for film, TV, theater, events and photo shoots.

$97,150
3–12 months

Talent Agent

Represent artists, performers and athletes and negotiate their deals.

$82,890
Years as an assistant

Compare: Model vs. Photographer · Model vs. Fashion Designer · Model vs. Makeup Artist · Model vs. Talent Agent

Model FAQ

Do models need training?

Not formally; experience builds skills.

Should I pay to join an agency?

No. Legitimate agencies earn commission.

Is modeling a stable job?

Usually not; income is irregular.

How much does a model make?

The median annual wage for models was $48,470 ($23.30 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $34,190 and the highest 10% earned more than $131,470.

How long does it take to become a model?

Most people need about On-the-job learning of training. No formal educational credential is required.

Do you need a degree to be a model?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “no formal educational credential” as the typical entry-level education.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 41-9012 (Models).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Models (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Model