Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 2,700 people employed as models in the United States. The median annual salary is $31,900. Entry level employees earn approximately $24,970 per year and senior employees earn approximately $124,730 per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime pay, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

• Pose for artists and photographers, with or without clothes.
• 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.
• Promote products and services in television commercials, on film, or in videos.
• Make many quick changes backstage during fashion shows and yet maintain poised appearance before audiences.
• 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.
• Wear character costumes and impersonate characters portrayed to amuse children and adults.
• Stand, turn, and walk to demonstrate features of garments for observers at fashion shows, private showings, and retail establishments.
• Dress in sample or completed garments, and select accessories.

Career List