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Models

Typical education: High school diplomaLower pressure

What they do

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.

Kinds of work

  • Artistic: Creating, designing and expressing ideas through art, writing, music or performance.
  • Realistic: Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals, often outdoors.
  • Enterprising: Leading, persuading, selling and starting new projects or businesses.

Lower pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $48,470 Median per year · $23.30/hr Most earn $34,190–$131,470

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Report job completions to agencies and obtain information about future appointments.
  • 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.
  • Assemble and maintain portfolios, print composite cards, and travel to go-sees to obtain jobs.
  • Pose for artists and photographers.
  • Follow strict routines of diet, sleep, and exercise to maintain appearance.

Job outlook

United States
2% fewer jobs by 2035, declining · about 700 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Colleges, universities, and professional schools18.8%
  • Junior colleges7.6%
  • Self-employed (their own business)7.6%
  • Offices of dentists5.7%
  • Apparel, piece goods, and notions merchant wholesalers2.4%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: Up to 1 month

Some people start through an apprenticeship: paid training on the job, often with classes. Search apprenticeships on Apprenticeship.gov (opens in a new tab) ↗

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: High school diplomaExperience before this job: Up to 1 monthEntry-level

Modeling is an entry-level job. Many people start right after high school, and the usual on-the-job learning before taking jobs is short, typically up to about a month. Building a portfolio and a network of photographers and agencies usually takes longer than the job itself.

  1. High school diploma

    About 4 years

    Finish high school while building a basic portfolio of photos and getting comfortable in front of a camera, which is what clients look at first.

  2. Model

    Up to 1 month of training and first jobs

    Start with local fashion shows, retail shoots, or student or amateur photo projects, learning posing, walking, and working with photographers and stylists.

Where it can lead

  1. Modeling Agent

    Several years of modeling or industry experience of experience first

    Move behind the scenes to find, book, and manage models for clients, which usually depends on knowing many people in the industry.

  2. Photographer

    1-2 years of hands-on practice of experience first

    Some models learn photography to shoot their own portfolios and work on the other side of the camera, which typically takes training in lighting, editing, and building a client base.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take art, photography, or drama classesThese build your comfort in front of a camera and your sense of style, both useful for modeling.
  • Join a drama, dance, or fashion clubPerforming and working with others helps you learn posing, movement, and confidence on stage or in front of groups.
  • Get a starter job in retail or customer serviceWorking with the public builds communication skills and shows you how stores present clothing to customers.
  • Volunteer at school or community fashion showsHelping backstage or modeling in a local show gives you real experience and a first set of photos for a portfolio.
  • Ask a family friend or classmate to take simple portfolio photosClear, natural photos in a few outfits give you something to show future photographers and agencies.

In college

  • Take courses in photography, marketing, or fashion merchandisingPhoto skills help you understand how shoots work, and business classes help you manage bookings and your own career.
  • Join a student fashion or modeling organizationClubs often put on runway shows and photo shoots, which give you experience and new contacts.
  • Work a campus or retail job with a fashion or brand focusStarter jobs at clothing stores or campus events help you learn how brands present their products to buyers.
  • Build and update your portfolio each semesterRegular photo shoots with student photographers show growth and give you current images for auditions and bookings.
  • Intern with a local photographer, stylist, or fashion businessSeeing how shoots are planned and run helps you understand the industry and build useful professional connections.

Tips for getting started

  • Build a simple portfolio early with clear, well-lit photos in a few looks, and keep it updated as you grow.
  • Learn to take care of your health, skin, and posture, since these matter a lot in modeling work.
  • Be wary of anyone who asks you to pay upfront for photos or classes; legitimate work usually pays the model rather than charging them.

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

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