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 PerceptivenessActive ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingCoordinationReading ComprehensionTime ManagementJudgment and Decision Making
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageFine ArtsTransportationCommunications and Media
Technology & tools
Operating system softwareInternet browser softwareWeb page creation and editing softwareInstant messaging softwareSpreadsheet software
Representative 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.
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
33 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Freelance ModelModelPremier Honor Guard (Air Force 8G000)Nude ModelModel BuilderRunway ModelArt ModelStudio ModelMale ModelLife Drawing ModelClothes ModelInfluencerModel, Photographers'Hand ModelHat ModelArt Class ModelSpirits ModelFitness ModelPhotographer's ModelArtist's ModelFine Arts ModelFigure ModelFloor ModelFashion ModelAgent ModelCharacter ImpersonatorBase Honor Guard Program Manager (Air Force 8G100)Model, Artists'Impersonator, CharacterUndraped Artist ModelProfessional ModelFit ModelSales Model