Occupation · SOC 41-9012
Models
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.
Median wage
$89,990
$38,010–$124,380
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
5,350
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
0 mapped
Core skills
Social PerceptivenessSpeakingActive ListeningCritical ThinkingCoordinationTime ManagementReading ComprehensionJudgment and Decision MakingWritingPersuasionNegotiationService OrientationMonitoringComplex Problem SolvingActive LearningSystems AnalysisTechnology DesignManagement of Personnel ResourcesOperations AnalysisMathematicsInstructingSystems EvaluationQuality Control AnalysisLearning StrategiesTroubleshootingScienceRepairingProgrammingOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesInstallationEquipment SelectionEquipment Maintenance
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageFine ArtsTransportationCommunications and MediaAdministration and ManagementComputers and ElectronicsPublic Safety and SecurityPsychologyDesignAdministrativePersonnel and Human ResourcesTelecommunicationsEducation and TrainingLaw and GovernmentSociology and AnthropologyBiologyHistory and ArcheologySales and MarketingMathematicsPhysicsMechanicalEconomics and AccountingMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageGeographyPhilosophy and TheologyChemistryTherapy and CounselingBuilding and ConstructionProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionEngineering and Technology
Technology & tools
Apple SafariApple iOSFacebookInstagramLinkedInMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordTumblrTwitterWeb browser softwareYouTube
Representative tasks
Performing General Physical ActivitiesThinking CreativelyEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsScheduling Work and ActivitiesGetting InformationOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesHandling and Moving ObjectsDocumenting/Recording InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersAssisting and Caring for OthersProcessing InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleSelling or Influencing OthersMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsTraining and Teaching OthersEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesWorking with ComputersCoaching and Developing OthersStaffing Organizational UnitsOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentControlling Machines and ProcessesAnalyzing Data or InformationEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Posing fundamentals — demonstrate basic static poses under direct photographer or artist direction during supervised studio sessions.Client instructions — follow verbal direction from photographers and art directors to adjust body position and facial expression on set.Arrival and scheduling — meet call times and report to designated locations following provided booking sheets and agency guidelines.Wardrobe and styling protocols — cooperate with stylists to change outfits and accessories as directed between shots in a commercial studio.Basic body awareness — maintain trunk stability and upright posture during extended standing or seated pose sessions under supervision.On-set communication — listen actively to direction from crew members and repeat back key instructions to confirm understanding during shoots.Digital tools — use internet browser and email software to receive booking confirmations, castings, and agency communications.Personal grooming standards — follow provided hygiene and appearance guidelines before arriving to castings and shooting assignments.Safety awareness — identify on-set hazards such as cables, elevated surfaces, or lighting equipment and report concerns to a supervisor.Portfolio basics — compile assigned reference images and measurements into a starter portfolio document using word processing software under agency guidance.
developing
Pose variation — execute a range of static and transitional poses for photographers and artists with reduced directional prompting in routine studio environments.Expressive control — adjust facial expressions, body language, and energy level to match creative briefs across commercial and editorial assignments.Time management — self-schedule preparation, travel, and on-set readiness across multiple bookings in a week using calendar and office suite tools.Client relationship awareness — read social cues and adapt communication style to suit photographers, art directors, and brand representatives during shoots.Movement and equilibrium — sustain dynamic walking poses and balance on varied surfaces such as runways or outdoor locations across full shooting sessions.Casting preparation — research client brands and campaign aesthetics using internet browser software before attending castings and go-sees.Digital self-promotion — maintain an updated online presence and submit digital composites using web page or social media platforms with limited agency support.Wardrobe coordination — coordinate independently with stylists and wardrobe departments to ensure correct looks are camera-ready on time.Feedback integration — incorporate critical feedback from photographers or art directors mid-session to refine posture, angles, and energy in familiar shoot contexts.Travel readiness — organize transportation and logistics for local and regional bookings using mapping and instant messaging software with minimal supervision.
proficient
Creative collaboration — work autonomously with photographers, artists, and creative teams to co-develop posing concepts that meet campaign objectives across diverse commercial and fine-art contexts.Non-routine posing — adapt body positioning, expression, and movement for challenging or unconventional briefs such as editorial conceptual shoots, live art modeling, or athletic campaigns without directional prompting.Brand storytelling — interpret and embody complex brand identities through consistent physical and expressive performance across multi-day and multi-location productions.Gross body coordination — execute technically precise full-body movement sequences, including choreographed runway walks and dynamic action poses, to professional broadcast or print standards.Self-direction on set — manage own preparation, pacing, and performance quality throughout long shooting days with no supervisory oversight.Digital content contribution — produce and edit short behind-the-scenes or promotional video clips using video creation and editing software for agency or brand social channels.Contract and scheduling literacy — review booking contracts, usage rights summaries, and call sheets using office suite software and flag discrepancies to agency representatives.Judgment under pressure — make real-time decisions about safety, appropriateness of direction, and professional boundaries when unexpected situations arise on location shoots.Media and communications fluency — give clear, composed spoken responses in interviews, press appearances, and behind-the-scenes video segments representing a brand or agency.Mentorship of newer talent — guide junior models on set etiquette, posing technique, and client interaction through informal coaching during shared assignments.
advanced
Career strategy leadership — set long-term personal brand direction, negotiate high-value contracts, and align representation strategy with senior agency executives across multiple markets.Creative direction influence — collaborate with campaign art directors and photographers to shape posing and aesthetic vision for large-scale advertising or editorial productions from concept through delivery.Talent development — lead structured workshops or on-set coaching programs that build posing, communication, and professionalism skills for emerging models in an agency roster.Organizational representation — serve as a principal ambassador for agencies, brands, or industry organizations at trade events, media appearances, and public safety or standards panels.Digital platform leadership — oversee production and strategic publication of multimedia content campaigns using video creation, presentation, and web editing tools to grow audience and brand equity at scale.Industry standards advocacy — contribute to best-practice guidelines around model welfare, safety, and professional conduct in collaboration with agency management and industry bodies.Cross-functional team coordination — direct multi-discipline on-set teams including stylists, photographers, lighting crews, and brand managers to deliver complex productions on schedule and within scope.Market expansion — identify emerging commercial sectors, international markets, or new media platforms and develop strategic plans to extend a model's or agency's presence with measurable outcomes.Performance benchmarking — design evaluation criteria and feedback systems to assess model readiness, booking conversion rates, and campaign performance using spreadsheet and presentation software.Executive stakeholder communication — present agency talent capabilities, campaign results, and market positioning to C-suite brand clients and investors using data-supported presentations and oral briefings.
Also known as
28 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Agent ModelArt Class ModelArt ModelArtist's ModelCharacter ImpersonatorClothes ModelFashion ModelFigure ModelFine Arts ModelFit ModelFitness ModelFloor ModelFreelance ModelHand ModelHat ModelInfluencerLife Drawing ModelMale ModelModelModel BuilderNude ModelPhotographer's ModelProfessional ModelRunway ModelSales ModelSpirits ModelStudio ModelUndraped Artist Model