So You Want to Be a Model—but Is It Your Runway to Success? Your Guide to Modeling as a Career

Becoming a model can be a great career—if you’re the right fit. Huge potential earnings, travel opportunities, and the ability to flex your creative expression muscles are all benefits. But to have “real talk” (as Tyra Banks says on “America’s Next Top Model”), it’s also a highly competitive industry that can mean a short shelf life, job instability, and body image pressures.

How in-demand are models?

The job outlook for models is mixed, particularly when broken down into traditional modeling versus social media modeling. 

• Traditional modeling demand: Fashion industry executives have a pessimistic outlook on hiring across the industry in 2025 and beyond (as per McKinsey & Company), and the job outlook for models isn’t expected to grow between 2023 and 2033 (as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics). Still, it’s not impossible to get hired. If you want to break into traditional modeling, the best advice is to go where the work is. Major hubs of entertainment, fashion, and art such as Los Angeles and New York have the foundational elements necessary to help your career move to the next step. 
• Social media modeling demand: Social media has provided an explosive change in modeling opportunities, unburdened by geographical restraints. With a world of potential followers at your fingertips and high-quality equipment in the palms of your hands, it’s easier for models to connect with brands and sponsors than ever before. As social commerce continues to grow exponentially, it means more opportunities for online-forward models.

How much do models make? 

Modeling earning potential ranges greatly. The average model salary is $46/hour according to ZipRecruiter, but for high fashion, editorial, and social media models, the sky’s the limit. 

To launch into the world of modeling, you generally must meet some basic requirements:

• Dedication: Why do you want to model? Answering this question will help you figure out your place within this competitive industry. You might see modeling as a passion project to supplement other career goals, or you may want to make it your full-time job—either way, you need the mental fortitude to dedicate yourself to an art form that requires a powerful mind-body connection.
• The right look: Model measurements vary for each type of modeling (of which there are more than 16), but generally speaking, you must have good proportions and a pleasant and/or interesting appearance.
• Modeling knowledge: You’ll need to master your model poses, model walk, and microexpressions before taking out the camera.
• Photos: To break into traditional modeling, you’ll need a strong modeling portfolio showcasing your overall look and unique vibe. No money for a photographer? No problem! For those just getting started, there’s no shame in doing TFP photo shoots or even taking selfies using a smartphone and a timer.
• Time: Besides the time spent training and taking photos, you’ll likely need to spend many hours growing your fan base on social media and attending dozens (if not hundreds) of model casting calls.
• Connections: Like almost any other job, in the modeling realm, it’s more about who you know than what you know. Networking with other professionals in the industry, collaborating with other models, and landing an agent are key to getting your face out there.
• Confidence: Being confident in your look and abilities will help you feel comfortable stepping out of your comfort zone, strutting your stuff, and growing in your modeling career.