Models
SOC Code: 41-9012
Models carries a 45% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $89,990 and -0.5% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 6,700 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 45% AI exposure, Models sits 8 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 79% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Models sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Models has ai exposure of 45%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Models vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Models is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Models (SOC 41-9012) carries an AI exposure score of 45%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 6,700 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -0.5% change through 2034 - a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $89,990, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires No formal educational credential, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Models. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Record rates of pay and durations of jobs on vouchers.
- 2. Pose for artists and photographers.
- 3. Gather information from agents concerning the pay, dates, times, provisions, and lengths of jobs.
- 4. Report job completions to agencies and obtain information about future appointments.
- 5. Assemble and maintain portfolios, print composite cards, and travel to go-sees to obtain jobs.
- 6. Pose as directed, or strike suitable interpretive poses for promoting and selling merchandise or fashions during appearances, filming, or photo sessions.
- 7. Follow strict routines of diet, sleep, and exercise to maintain appearance.
- 8. Apply makeup to face and style hair to enhance appearance, considering such factors as color, camera techniques, and facial features.
- 9. 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.
- 10. Dress in sample or completed garments, and select accessories.
Key Skills Required
- Social Perceptiveness
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Coordination
- Reading Comprehension
- Time Management
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Writing
- Persuasion
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Fine Arts
- Transportation
- Communications and Media
- Administration and Management
- Computers and Electronics
- Public Safety and Security
- Psychology
- Administrative
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Models?
Models has an AI exposure score of 45%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Models?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Models is projected to decline by 0.5% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 6,700 workers.
What skills are needed for Models?
Key skills for Models include Social Perceptiveness, Active Listening, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is No formal educational credential.
How much do Models earn?
The median annual wage for Models is $89,990, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Models?
The typical entry-level education for Models is No formal educational credential. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Models?
Models roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).