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Model: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 23, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$48,470median pay per year, or $23.30 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $34,190lowest 10% earn less
  2. $35,71025th percentile
  3. $48,470median
  4. $99,32075th percentile
  5. $131,470top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[4]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[5]

A model needs no formal education to enter the field, and the median pay was $48,470 a year[1][2]. BLS projects employment of models to decline 2.1% from 2025 to 2035[3].

Job growth, 2025–35
-2.1%[3]
Openings per year
700[6]
Typical entry education
No formal educational credential[2]

How much do models make?

The median wage for models was $48,470 a year, or $23.30 an hour, in May 2025[1]. Half of models earned more and half earned less. For comparison, the median for all occupations in the US was $50,980[5]. So the model median sat a little below the all-occupations median.

The average (mean) wage was higher, at $72,800 a year, or $35.00 an hour[7]. The pay range is wide. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $34,190 a year, and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $131,470[4]. BLS explains that a percentile wage is a boundary, and that OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary[8].

Point in the range Annual wage Hourly wage
10th percentile[4][9] $34,190 $16.44
25th percentile[4][9] $35,710 $17.17
Median[1] $48,470 $23.30
75th percentile[4][9] $99,320 $47.75
90th percentile[4][9] $131,470 $63.21

These figures cover part-time and full-time workers who are paid a wage or salary. They leave out the self-employed, nonproduction bonuses and the cost of benefits[10]. In 2025, 7.6% of models were self-employed[11], so their earnings are not in the wage numbers above.

Pay by state and city

BLS published model wages for 16 states[12]. Arizona came first on median pay at $109,910 a year, followed by New York at $107,280, New Jersey at $60,520 and California at $57,400[12]. Georgia had the lowest published median, at $15,080[12]. Several states in the list had only 40 to 130 jobs, so treat small-state figures with care[12].

The most model jobs were in California (990), Florida (620), Georgia (130), Ohio (120) and Illinois (60)[13].

Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA was listed for pay, with a median of $109,820 a year[14]. It also had the most model jobs of any metro, at 400[15]. Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN and Rochester, NY each had 50 jobs[15]. The medians there were $53,700 and $208,000[15].

Show median pay in 16 states
StateMedian per yearJobs
Arizona[12]$109,910n/a
New York$107,280n/a
New Jersey$60,520n/a
California$57,400990
Illinois$53,28060
Maryland$47,17040
Texas$46,840n/a
Florida$45,900620
Virginia$45,72040
Rhode Island$45,060n/a
Oregon$42,88040
Ohio$42,550120
Nebraska$41,600n/a
New Hampshire$39,890n/a
Missouri$34,610n/a
Georgia$15,080130

How to become a model

BLS lists no formal educational credential, no related work experience and no typical on-the-job training for models[2]. In an O*NET survey of 21 workers, 76% said a high school diploma or equivalent was the education level required, and 17% said less than high school[16]. That is a small survey, so read it as a rough guide.

Here is the usual path described by the facts[17][18][19]:

The facts do not say how long it takes to get signed or to find steady work. Models move up by working more often and landing higher-paid assignments, such as magazines, ad campaigns, commercials or runway shows[23].

BLS names several qualities that matter: discipline about diet, exercise and sleep, people skills, listening to direction, organizing a portfolio and travel schedule, and persistence[24][25][26][27][28]. Haircuts, pedicures and manicures count as work-related expenses[24].

What models do

Models show clothing and accessories to possible buyers at fashion shows, private showings or stores. They may also pose for photos in magazines and ads, or pose for artists[29]. O*NET lists tasks such as these:

O*NET also reports job titles such as art model, figure model and life drawing model[31].

Where models work

Working conditions vary. A model might work in a photography studio, on a runway or outdoors in any weather[32]. Travel to photo shoots or client meetings in other cities may be needed[33].

BLS describes the schedules as demanding and stressful. Many models work part time and have unpredictable schedules. They must be ready to work on short notice, hours vary with the job, and many models have periods without work[34].

The largest employer group was educational services (state, local and private), which accounted for 30% of models in 2025[35].

Job outlook

BLS projects that employment of models will decline 2.1% from 2025 to 2035, from about 4,200 to 4,100 jobs[3]. Employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% over the same period[36]. These projection counts include self-employed workers[3]. OEWS counted about 3,780 wage and salary jobs in May 2025[37]. The two counts measure different things.

BLS names one factor behind the decline. The use of AI-generated models is growing, which reduces the need for models[38].

Even with a decline, about 700 openings a year are projected on average from 2025 to 2035[6]. The openings come from workers who retire or switch to other occupations, as well as from new jobs[6]. Each year, 9% of models leave the labor force and 7.2% move to a different occupation[39].

Is it a good fit?

The entry barrier is low on paper, since no formal credential is needed[2]. BLS also says competition for jobs is strong, and that patience and persistence are essential[28]. The median pay was close to the all-occupations median, but the range from the 10th to the 90th percentile was wide[1][5][4]. Schedules can be unpredictable, with periods of unemployment, and employment is projected to decline[34][3]. The facts suggest the job suits people who can handle irregular work and client rules about appearance[21][34].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[40].

Frequently asked questions

How much does a model make an hour?
The median wage for models was $23.30 an hour in May 2025[1]. The 10th percentile was $16.44 and the 90th percentile was $63.21 an hour[9].
What degree do you need to be a model?
None. BLS lists no formal educational credential for models[2]. Modeling schools exist, but attending one does not necessarily lead to jobs[18].
How do you get started as a model?
Most modeling agencies accept photos by email, and many also hold open calls. The agency then contacts and interviews people who show potential[17].
Is modeling a growing field?
BLS projects employment of models to decline 2.1% from 2025 to 2035, while all occupations grow 3.5%[3][36]. About 700 openings a year are still projected[6].
What is the highest paying state for models?
Arizona was listed first, with a median of $109,910 a year, followed by New York at $107,280[12]. Job counts in some states are small.

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Models in the US was $48,470 per year and $23.30 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Models: education needed for entry: No formal educational credential; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: None. BLS Employment Projections
  3. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Models is projected to decline 2.1% from 2025 to 2035, from about 4,200 to 4,100 jobs (a change of -100). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  4. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Models: 10th percentile $34,190, 25th percentile $35,710, 75th percentile $99,320, 90th percentile $131,470. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  5. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  6. BLS Employment Projections: about 700 openings for Models are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  7. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Models was $72,800 per year and $35.00 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  8. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  9. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Models: 10th percentile $16.44, 25th percentile $17.17, 75th percentile $47.75, 90th percentile $63.21. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. BLS Employment Projections: 7.6% of Models were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
  12. Median annual wage for Models in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Models jobs: California 990; Florida 620; Georgia 130; Ohio 120; Illinois 60. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Models (areas with at least 100 jobs): Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $109,820. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Models jobs: Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 400 (median $109,820); Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 50 (median $53,700); Rochester, NY 50 (median $208,000); Anchorage, AK 40 (median $81,520); Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV 30 (median $47,170). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  16. O*NET 41-9012.00 survey of workers (21 respondents), education level they say is required: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) 76%, Less than a High School Diploma 17% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
  17. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Advancement. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Advancement. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  23. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Advancement. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  24. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  25. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  26. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  27. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  28. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  29. O*NET description of Models. O*NET OnLine
  30. O*NET task list for Models. O*NET OnLine
  31. O*NET 41-9012.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Art Class Model, Art Model, Artist's Model, Figure Model, Fine Arts Model, Life Drawing Model, Model, Nude Model. O*NET OnLine
  32. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  33. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  34. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  35. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of models in 2025: Educational services; state, local, and private 30%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  36. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  37. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 3,780 people were employed as Models in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  38. BLS Employment Projections, factor affecting employment of Models: Capital/labor substitution - share decreases as the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated models grows, reducing the need for models. BLS Employment Projections
  39. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Models: 9% of workers leave the labor force each year and 7.2% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  40. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.