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Figure Model Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Art Institute of Chicago

Model

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22 - $25.31/hr

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 ...

Daemen College

Art Class Figure Model

Amherst, NY · On-site

$21/hr

Daemen University is a dynamic, independent, liberal arts institution committed to excellence in student centered learning. The University places special emphasis on preparing students for excellence ...

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 ...

Antelope Valley College

Model Undraped

Lancaster, CA · On-site

$35/hr

Previous figure modeling experience preferred but not required. Experience in sports, dance, theater, yoga or other forms of stylized movement is very helpful. OTHER INFORMATION KNOWLEDGE OF:

Antelope Valley College

Model Draped

Lancaster, CA · On-site

$35/hr

Previous figure modeling experience preferred but not required. Experience in sports, dance, theater, yoga or other forms of stylized movement is very helpful. OTHER INFORMATION KNOWLEDGE OF:

Figure

Helix AI Engineer, Modeling

San Jose, CA · On-site

Figure is an AI robotics company developing autonomous general-purpose humanoid robots. Our goal is ... Design and develop model architectures for perception, reasoning, and action across multimodal ...

Figure

Helix AI Engineer, Modeling

San Jose, CA · On-site

Figure is an AI robotics company developing autonomous general-purpose humanoid robots. Our goal is ... Design and develop model architectures for perception, reasoning, and action across multimodal ...

Maryland Institute College of Art

Model

Baltimore, MD · On-site

Models will pose for art students for the purpose of studying the human figure. Summary of Essential Functions: Model poses may include but not limited to nude, fully clothed, partially clothed etc.

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How much do figure model jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for figure model in the United States is $45.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $72.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Figure Model, you need body awareness, the ability to hold poses for extended periods, punctuality, and professionalism, though formal qualifications are not typically required. Familiarity with art studio protocols and experience in modeling for artists are valuable, and some positions may require previous modeling experience or an understanding of anatomy. Patience, reliability, and strong communication skills help models work effectively with artists and instructors. These skills ensure high-quality reference for artists and contribute to productive, respectful studio environments.

What are figure models?

Figure models are individuals who pose for artists, photographers, or art students to help them practice and study the human form. These models may pose nude or clothed, and their work is essential for teaching anatomy, proportion, and movement in art. Figure models must be able to hold poses for extended periods, demonstrate body awareness, and work professionally in a studio environment. Their work supports the creative process and learning in art education and professional art practices.

What is the difference between Figure Model vs Life Model?

AspectFigure ModelLife Model
CredentialsTypically no formal certifications requiredOften requires life drawing classes or art education
Work EnvironmentStudios, art schools, or private sessionsArt classes, studios, or art schools
Industry UsageUsed in art, animation, and gaming industriesPrimarily in art education and practice
Search & Comparison IntentFigure Model vs Life Model

Figure Models and Life Models are both essential in art education and industry, but they differ mainly in context. Figure Models often refer to posed models used for artistic reference, while Life Models typically participate in live drawing classes. Both roles require posing skills, but Figure Models may not need formal art training, whereas Life Models often have some background in art or modeling. Understanding these differences helps artists and students choose the right model for their needs.

What Is the Job of a Figure Model?

A figure model, also known as a nude model or art model, assists art students who are learning to draw the human form. You carry out your duties in an art class, and your responsibilities are to pose nude and remain still as students draw what they see. This form of art is similar to still life drawing but using people as the subject. Figure model positions are usually on a contract basis, paying by the hour or per diem. Each assignment may last between one and several hours, depending on how long the class is and how detailed they need to make their drawings.

What can I expect during a typical figure modeling session, and how should I prepare?

During a typical figure modeling session, you will be asked to hold a variety of poses—both short gestures and longer, sustained ones—while artists draw, paint, or sculpt. Sessions are often held in art studios or classrooms with a relaxed and professional atmosphere. Preparation involves arriving on time, wearing a robe or comfortable clothing for breaks, and being ready for both clothed and nude poses, depending on the assignment. Good communication with the instructor and artists is key, and it's important to stretch beforehand to help maintain poses comfortably.
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Figure Model jobs near you
Model

Model

Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$22 - $25.31/hr

Part-time

Posted 16 days ago

Art Institute Of Chicago rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 27 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.

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