ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Figure Drawing Model Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Art Institute of Chicago

Model

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22 - $25.31/hr

About the Department The Department of Painting and Drawing at the School of the Art Institute of ... Figure Models will pose for our students as they learn to draw and paint from the human form ...

Building by Design, Inc.

ART Teacher

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

You will teach step-by-step drawing and model building (using Legos) through a provided curriculum ... You are comfortable being the authority figure in the room * You follow a structured curriculum ...

Building by Design, Inc.

ART Teacher

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

You will teach step-by-step drawing and model building (using Legos) through a provided curriculum ... You are comfortable being the authority figure in the room * You follow a structured curriculum ...

Building by Design, Inc.

ART Teacher

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

You will teach step-by-step drawing and model building (using Legos) through a provided curriculum ... You are comfortable being the authority figure in the room * You follow a structured curriculum ...

Photon Queue Inc.

Senior Optical Engineer

Lemont, IL · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Build and own the optical performance models that predict and optimize the system's key figures of ... Lead optical design reviews and own the supporting documentation - specifications, drawings, and ...

Photon Queue Inc.

Senior Optical Engineer

Lemont, IL · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Build and own the optical performance models that predict and optimize the system's key figures of ... Lead optical design reviews and own the supporting documentation - specifications, drawings, and ...

CBRE

Senior Occupancy & MAC Planner (Hybrid)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120K/yr

Produce complex drawings and presentations for internal stakeholders and client-facing steering ... figures such as percentages, fractions, and other financial-related calculations. Workplace Model ...

CBRE

Occupancy Planner - Talent Community

Chicago, IL · On-site

Produce drawings and presentations for internal partners and client-facing steering committee ... Lead by example and model behaviors that are consistent with CBRE RISE values. * Impact the quality ...

All JobsFigure Drawing Model JobsFigure Drawing Model Jobs in Chicago, IL

Figure Drawing Model information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$100K

$192.6K

$255.2K

How much do figure drawing model jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for figure drawing model in Chicago, IL is $192,593.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $172,200.00 and $206,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a figure drawing model?

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 are the most commonly searched types of Figure Drawing Model jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Figure Drawing Model jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Figure Drawing Model jobs in Chicago, IL? For Figure Drawing Model jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Figure Drawing Model jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Figure Drawing Model jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Figure Drawing Model jobs near you
Infographic showing various Figure Drawing Model job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $192,593 per year, or $92.6 per hour.

Model

Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$22 - $25.31/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Art Institute Of Chicago rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 29 rated museums

Job description

About SAIC
For more than 150 years, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) has been a leader in educating the world's most influential artists, designers and scholars. Located in downtown Chicago with a fine arts graduate program consistently ranking among the top four graduate fine arts programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, SAIC provides an interdisciplinary approach to art and design as well as world-class resources, including the Art Institute of Chicago Museum, on-campus galleries and state-of-the-art facilities. SAIC's undergraduate, graduate and post-baccalaureate students have the freedom to take risks and create the bold ideas that transform Chicago and the world-as seen through notable alumni and faculty such as Michelle Grabner, David Sedaris, Elizabeth Murray, Richard Hunt, Georgia O'Keeffe, Cynthia Rowley, Nick Cave, and LeRoy Neiman.
About the Department
The Department of Painting and Drawing at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) is home to a diverse range of conceptual and material approaches to art-making. It is an open, pluralistic community where experimentation and the study of historical and cultural discourses are foregrounded. Figure Models will pose for our students as they learn to draw and paint from the human form
Position Summary
Provide professional nude figure modeling sessions to a high quality fine arts and design institution while exercising the School of the Art Institute of Chicago community's guidelines and standards. Supply timely and educational figure modeling sessions to academic courses across the School of the Art Institute of Chicago's campus.
Responsibilities
  • Provide professional figure modeling sessions for academic classes.
  • Check email and voice mail regularly for communication regarding availability, schedule management and policy updates.
  • Arrive on time and prepared at the scheduled session start time.
  • Follow the Figure Model Code of Conduct and SAIC community guidelines.
  • Communicate needs and concerns regularly with the Figure Model Coordinator.
  • Responsible for returning props and linens to the designated spaces.

Qualifications
  • Minimum High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
  • At least 30 hours of academic figure modeling experience in the past year. This includes college, art centers, and academic group settings. Private artist session experience not applicable.
  • Ability to provide 3 academic references/recommendations.
  • Ability to provide a variety of poses, dynamic as well as sitting and standing poses for up to 45 minutes.
  • Strong communication skills.
  • Proficiency with email and calendar management. Ability to access email and phone on a consistent basis.

Physical Requirements
Must be able to maintain a variety of physical positions, including standing, sitting and posing, for extended periods of up to 45 minutes. Ability to assume and hold both static and dynamic positions as required by job duties.
Compensation & Benefits
Hiring Range: $22.00 - $25.31 per hour.
This position is not benefits eligible.
  • Job Classification: Special Services
  • Grade Level: N/A

If you are accessing this listing from a third party, not all links to salary and benefits information may work. Please visit our career page at saic/artic.edu/employment for complete information
Application Instructions
Please submit your resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.
Accessibility
If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, you will find the contact information to request the appropriate accommodation by visiting the following page:
Accessibility Accommodation for Applicants
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals compliant with federal and state laws. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

What Art Institute Of Chicago employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply