Models pose for artists, customers, or photographers to help advertise a variety of products, including clothing, cosmetics, food, and appliances.

Models work in a variety of conditions, from comfortable indoor studios and runway fashion shows to outdoors in all weather conditions. Most models work part time and have unpredictable work schedules. Many also experience periods of unemployment.

No formal educational credential is required and training is limited. Specific requirements depend on the client. However, most models must be within certain ranges for height, weight, and clothing size to meet the needs of fashion designers, photographers, and advertisers.

Employment of models is projected to show little or no change from 2014 to 2024. This occupation attracts many applicants, and competition for jobs will be strong.

This occupation supported 4,800 jobs in 2012 and 5,800 jobs in 2014, reflecting an increase of 20.8%. In 2012, this occupation was projected to increase by 14.6% in 2022 to 5,500 jobs. As of 2014, to keep pace with prediction, the expected number of jobs was 4,900, compared with an observed value of 5,800, 18.4% higher than expected. This indicates current employment trends are much better than the 2012 trend within this occupation. In 2014, this occupation was projected to decrease by 0.0% in 2024 to 5,800 jobs. Linear extrapolation of the 2012 projection for 2022 results in an expected number of 5,600 jobs for 2024, 3.4% lower than the 2014 projection for 2024. This indicates expectations for future employment trends are better than the 2012 trend within this occupation.