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Sales, Marketing & CommsDeclining

Model

Operational-level

Also known as: Agent Model, Art Class Model, Art Model, Artist's Model

Sales, Marketing & CommsBachelor's Degree

Job Description

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.
Fashion ModelingRunway ModelingPrint ModelingApparel PresentationFashion IndustryMarketingVisual ArtsSalesRetail

A Day in the Life

You arrive at a bustling photo studio in downtown Los Angeles before sunrise, the city still mostly asleep. The studio is already warm, filled with the scent of coffee and hairspray. You head directly to the makeup station, settling into a tall chair as a stylist begins pinning your hair back. You close your eyes, trusting the skilled hands of the makeup artist who meticulously applies foundation and shadows, transforming your face for the day's look. It's an early start, but you know punctuality is paramount.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

-2.1%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

700

per year (US)

Jobs today

4,200

in 2025 → 4,100 (2035)

Typical entry education

No formal educational credential

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
Moderate
Working in a team
Moderate
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
High
Time pressure
Low
Time spent sitting
Moderate
Working outdoors
Low
Indoor, climate-controlled
High
Dealing with customers
Low
Level of competition
Low

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Declining Job Market

The overall outlook for models is projected to decline by 2.1% between 2025 and 2035, with about 700 job openings expected each year. The median annual wage for models is around $48,470. Many models start as brand ambassadors or photo production assistants, potentially advancing into roles such as fashion stylists or brand influencers.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Brand Ambassador
  • Photo Production Assistant
  • Background Actor

Where it can lead

  • Art Director
  • Fashion Stylist
  • Brand Influencer

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will significantly impact the modeling industry by generating hyper-realistic virtual models, potentially reducing demand for human models in areas like e-commerce and basic product photography. This shift will likely push human models to focus on roles requiring unique personal branding, acting skills, and emotional depth for high-concept campaigns and influencer marketing where genuine human connection is still valued.