Models
Models display garments, accessories, and other products for customers and media. They work at fashion shows, retail stores, and photo shoots, wearing clothing and posing to showcase items to prospective buyers. Models may also pose for paintings, sculptures, and other artistic work.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against models and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A model's week might include attending fittings for upcoming shows, posing for product photography in studios, and walking runways at fashion events. Between assignments, models attend castings to audition for jobs, maintain their portfolios, and coordinate with agents. Evening and weekend work is common, particularly for runway shows and special events.
Who this work suits
Holland code ARE. Artistic work is creating and designing, with room for self-expression. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You'd do well in this work if you enjoy artistic environments and attention to detail—and if you're comfortable with the realistic demands of the job, like frequent travel and irregular hours. Success requires reliability, the ability to take direction, and comfort being observed while working.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Member of Technical Staff, Model Training (infra & platform), Remote- Full TIme · Xperteez Technology · United States · Remote
- MODEL MAKER · Naval Air Systems Command · China Lake, California · $39.99–$46.7
- Government Subject Matter Expert (SME) - AI Model Evaluation · Volga Partners · United States · Remote
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $36,920 | $109,910 | $109,920 | — |
| New York | $91,620 | $107,280 | $160,920 | — |
| New Jersey | $60,520 | $60,520 | $60,520 | — |
| California | $35,400 | $57,400 | $107,900 | 990 |
| Illinois | $42,910 | $53,280 | $143,970 | 60 |
| Maryland | $43,880 | $47,170 | $47,170 | 40 |
| Texas | $29,010 | $46,840 | $54,960 | — |
| Florida | $37,150 | $45,900 | $99,320 | 620 |
| Virginia | $38,760 | $45,720 | $46,240 | 40 |
| Rhode Island | $45,060 | $45,060 | $45,060 | — |
| Oregon | $36,890 | $42,880 | $42,910 | 40 |
| Ohio | $38,590 | $42,550 | $51,060 | 120 |
All 16 states
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against models and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 41-9012.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.