What is a fashion model and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a fashion model. For example, did you know that they make an average of $80.34 an hour? That's $167,104 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 9% and produce 200 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreFashion ModelUS Average
Salary
9.4

Avg. Salary $167,104

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
1.3

Growth Rate 9%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
8.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.32%

Asian 6.46%

Black or African American 16.68%

Hispanic or Latino 13.14%

Unknown 8.29%

White 55.12%

Gender

female 77.75%

male 22.25%

Age - 42
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42
Stress Level
1.3

Stress level is low

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
2.5

Complexity Level is basic

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
10.0

Work Life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Fashion Model career paths

Key steps to become a fashion model

  1. Explore fashion model education requirements

    Most common fashion model degrees

    Bachelor's

    59.3 %

    High School Diploma

    14.9 %

    Associate

    13.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific fashion model skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Photo Shoots64.70%
    Editorials9.13%
    Apparel4.32%
    Print ADS4.30%
    Coats3.94%
  3. Research fashion model duties and responsibilities

    • Manage pre-event preparations; POS merchandising and engages potential customers at events.
    • Modele apparel, jewelry, and cosmetics for print and television.
    • Model garments such as dresses, coats, underclothing and swimwear.
    • Modele garments such as coats, pants, shirts, and accessories.
  4. Prepare your fashion model resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your fashion model resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a fashion model resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Fashion Model Resume templates

    Build a professional Fashion Model resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Fashion Model resume.
    Fashion Model Resume
    Fashion Model Resume
    Fashion Model Resume
    Fashion Model Resume
    Fashion Model Resume
    Fashion Model Resume
    Fashion Model Resume
    Fashion Model Resume
    Fashion Model Resume
  5. Apply for fashion model jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a fashion model job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Fashion Model Job

Zippi

Are you a Fashion Model?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average fashion model salary

The average Fashion Model salary in the United States is $167,104 per year or $80 per hour. Fashion model salaries range between $53,000 and $525,000 per year.

Average Fashion Model Salary
$167,104 Yearly
$80.34 hourly

What Am I Worth?

Loading...
Loading...
salary-calculator

How do fashion models rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Fashion Model reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on May 2021
Pros

A model is a job that i have amied for since i was teen i have seen modeling as challenging job based on My Reaserch but as A win Win For Me And The Agency I Could Work Cause I can Overcome My dutie And For My Carrer

Cons

As an interested teen in modeling i consume the models race of sezazing anything in a toxic way


Working as a Fashion Model? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall Rating*
Career Growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.