ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Figure Drawing Model Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SUNY Cortland

Figure Drawing Model

Cortland, NY · On-site

$25/hr

Position Details Position Information Budget Title INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT ASSISTANT Campus Title Figure Drawing Model School/Division Academic Affairs, Division of Department Art & Art History Staff ...

The Pennsylvania State University

Models are scheduled for three-hour nude figure drawing sessions throughout the semester as needed by the instructor. Each class is 3 hours long -- where you are expected to hold poses from anywhere ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFigure Drawing Model Jobs

Figure Drawing Model information

See salary details

$97K

$186.8K

$247.5K

How much do figure drawing model jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for figure drawing model in the United States is $186,810.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $167,000.00 and $200,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are figure drawing models?

Figure drawing models, also known as life models, are individuals who pose for artists, art students, or classes to help them practice drawing the human form. The model may pose nude or clothed, and typically holds various poses for different lengths of time to allow artists to study anatomy, proportion, and gesture. This work helps artists improve their observational skills and understanding of the body’s structure and movement.

What Does a Figure Drawing Model Do?

As a figure drawing model, you pose for extended periods in a studio or drawing class to allow an artist or a group of art students draw the human form. You may pose for a student-led series or a class that has an instructor. Most figure drawing model jobs are nude or partially nude so that drawers can capture the human body and proper lines. Your responsibilities are to provide a range of gestured and sustained poses, be comfortable posing both nude and with clothing, and maintain an appropriate, focused demeanor throughout the class. Modeling duties can last a couple of hours, so you must prepare before with bathroom breaks and snacks.

What is the difference between Figure Drawing Model vs Life Model?

AspectFigure Drawing ModelLife Model
CredentialsNone required, but some training helpfulNone required, often same as Figure Drawing Model
Work EnvironmentArt studios, schools, galleriesArt studios, schools, galleries
Industry UsagePrimarily in art education and practicePrimarily in art education and practice

Both Figure Drawing Model and Life Model roles involve posing for artists in educational or studio settings. The terms are often used interchangeably, with no significant credential differences. The main distinction is that 'Life Model' emphasizes the live, unposed aspect of modeling, while 'Figure Drawing Model' highlights the purpose of drawing practice. Overall, they serve similar functions in the art industry, with overlapping environments and requirements.

What should I expect in terms of work environment and session structure as a Figure Drawing Model?

As a Figure Drawing Model, you'll typically work in art studios, colleges, or community centers, modeling for artists or students during scheduled sessions. Sessions are usually structured with a mix of short and long poses, ranging from 1 to 30 minutes, allowing artists to practice different techniques. The environment is generally quiet, respectful, and focused, with clear communication between the model and instructor about breaks and pose changes. You can expect to work independently on a platform, but you'll collaborate closely with instructors to ensure poses meet the class's needs while prioritizing your comfort and safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Figure Drawing Model, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Figure Drawing Model, you need strong body awareness, the ability to hold poses for extended periods, and a reliable work ethic, with no formal education required but often some prior experience or training in modeling or the arts. Familiarity with basic art studio protocols and the use of props or timed posing systems is typical in this role. Reliability, professionalism, strong communication, and comfort with body positivity are standout soft skills. These qualities ensure productive sessions for artists, maintain a respectful studio environment, and support the creation of high-quality artwork.
More about Figure Drawing Model jobs
What cities are hiring for Figure Drawing Model jobs? Cities with the most Figure Drawing Model job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Figure Drawing Model jobs? The most popular types of Figure Drawing Model jobs are:
What states have the most Figure Drawing Model jobs? States with the most job openings for Figure Drawing Model jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Figure Drawing Model jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Figure Drawing Model jobs are:
Figure Drawing Model jobs near you

Figure Drawing Model

SUNY Cortland

Cortland, NY • On-site

$25/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Contractor, Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Budget Title
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT ASSISTANT
Campus Title
Figure Drawing Model
School/Division
Academic Affairs, Division of
Department
Art & Art History
Staff Sub-Type
Staff & Administration
Salary Level
SL1
Salary Range
$25/Hr
Salary Determination
Starting salary rates are based on multiples factors which may include the position's major responsibilities, the applicant's background including education, work experience, and key competencies, the university's strategic priorities, internal peer equity and external market analyses, applicable federal, state, and local laws and negotiated labor contracts.
Position Effort
Part-Time (enter FTE below)
If Part-Time, enter FTE:
12
Is this a temporary position?
Yes
If Temporary, enter End Date:
Position Summary
SUNY Cortland is accepting applications a Figure Drawing Model for a drawing course. Two to five hours per week.
What makes SUNY Cortland a great place to work?
• Our positions provide predictable salary progressions, and many offer permanency.
• Generous benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, various retirement program options, paid family leave and/or parental leaves, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, long term disability and tuition reimbursement.
• SUNY Cortland prioritizes work-life balance and well-being in all forms. The university's state-of-the-art Student Life Center is free for employees to use, with membership options for families. Alternate work schedules are available with a supervisor's approval.
• Professional development opportunities exist through training, continuing education programs, tuition reimbursement and conference travel, based on funding.
• Cortland County and surrounding areas offer easy access to arts, entertainment, outdoor recreation and much more. Experience Cortland dives deep into the region's offerings
Major Responsibilities
Successful candidate will pose and provide a full range of traditional life drawing poses, (from gestures to poses sustained for a minimum of 20 minutes) as required by the instructor and demonstrate professional behavior in an educational environment working with students and faculty.
Functional and Supervisory Relationships
Reports to the figure drawing instructor.
Required Qualifications
Previous figure drawing model experience.
Must be 18 years of age or older.
Must be professional in an educational environment working with students and faculty.
Model both fully nude and clothed based on assignment.
Be able to take instruction.
Must be punctual and reliable.
Preferred Qualifications
All body types are needed and encouraged to apply.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
About the University
A top public university of approximately 6,600 students located in the geographic center of New York State, SUNY Cortland provides accessible, affordable education to students from across the U.S. body. One of 13 comprehensive universities in the State University of New York system, SUNY Cortland prides itself on its rigorous undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts, sciences, education, and professional studies. For more than 150 years, SUNY Cortland has provided unmistakable value for students seeking a well-rounded academic, athletic, and social experience. The University ranks among the top campuses in the nation on Money magazine's "Best Colleges for Your Money List," fields a powerhouse Division III athletics program and boasts an impressive network of alumni making a difference in education, business, government, fitness, medicine and many other fields.
EEO Statement
The State University of New York at Cortland is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity/Americans with Disabilities Act (AA/EEO/ADA) employer. The university actively seeks applications from women, veterans, individuals with a disability, members of underrepresented groups or anyone that would enrich the diversity of the university.
Job Close Date
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
S23031
Review Start Date
Open Until Filled
Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting
https://jobs.cortland.edu/postings/8031

Apply