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Hand Model Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

... hand in hand. If you're passionate about making a difference and want to work where your impact ... Model basic parts and assist in preparing drawings and files for the production team. * Assist in ...

... hand in hand. If you're passionate about making a difference and want to work where your impact ... Model basic parts and assist in preparing drawings and files for the production team. * Assist in ...

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Hand Model information

See Austin, TX salary details

$10

$30

$65

How much do hand model jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for hand model in Austin, TX is $30.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $38.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I get into hand modeling?

To become a hand model, you should have well-maintained, smooth, and proportionate hands. Building a portfolio with high-quality photos, especially close-ups of your hands in good lighting, and reaching out to modeling agencies that specialize in hand or commercial modeling can help you start in the industry.

What are some common challenges hand models face on the job?

Hand models often encounter challenges such as maintaining flawless skin and nail health, as even minor blemishes or imperfections can impact job opportunities. Consistency in hand care routines is crucial, and avoiding activities that could lead to cuts, bruises, or sun damage is part of the daily responsibility. Additionally, hand models must develop the ability to hold precise and sometimes uncomfortable poses for extended periods during shoots, requiring patience and stamina. Working closely with photographers, stylists, and art directors is also common, so strong communication and adaptability are essential for success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hand model?

To thrive as a Hand Model, you need well-groomed hands, symmetrical fingers, clear skin, and attention to personal care, often with experience in modeling or related fields. Familiarity with posing techniques, industry-standard photography, and sometimes agency representation are typical requirements. Patience, flexibility, and the ability to take direction well are important soft skills for this role. These skills ensure that hand models consistently meet client expectations for close-up product shots, commercials, and advertising campaigns.

What is the difference between Hand Model vs Hand Therapist?

AspectHand ModelHand Therapist
CredentialsNo formal certification required, often a portfolioRequires certification or licensure in occupational or physical therapy
Work EnvironmentPhoto shoots, advertising, fashionMedical clinics, rehabilitation centers
Industry UsageFashion, advertising, product promotionHealthcare, rehabilitation, therapy
Work FocusAppearance and aesthetics of handsRestoring hand function and health

Hand models focus on showcasing hands for advertising and fashion, emphasizing appearance. Hand therapists work in healthcare, helping patients recover hand function through therapy. While both roles involve hands, their credentials, work environments, and industry applications differ significantly.

What is a hand model?

A hand model is a professional who uses their hands to display products for photography, commercials, or films. Their hands are often featured in advertisements for jewelry, cosmetics, hand creams, or other items that require close-up shots of hands. Hand models must maintain their hands in excellent condition and may work with agencies or directly with clients. The job often involves holding products, performing specific gestures, or demonstrating how to use items. Attention to detail, patience, and flexibility are important traits for success in this field.

How much money do hand models make?

Hand models typically earn between $200 and $1,000 per day, depending on experience, the type of assignment, and the market. Top hand models with extensive portfolios or high-profile clients can command higher rates, especially for commercial, print, or advertising work.

Are hand models in high demand?

Hand models are in moderate demand, primarily for advertising, product packaging, and commercial photography. The job requires well-maintained hands, specific measurements, and often involves working in a controlled environment with a flexible schedule.
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What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Hand Model jobs? Cities near Austin, TX with the most Hand Model job openings:
Infographic showing various Hand Model job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,553 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Software Engineer - Dexterous Manipulation

Apptronik

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Software Engineer - Dexterous Manipulation is a core contributor to our robots' ability to interact with the world with human-like precision. You will implement, tune, and deploy reinforcement learning and related learning-based control for high-DOF, multi-fingered robotic hands-translating state-of-the-art research (reinforcement / imitation learning, teleoperation retargeting) into reliable, production-grade software that runs in both simulation and on physical hardware. Working across simulation, hardware, and systems teams, you will get complex manipulation tasks working robustly on real robots.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES or KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

  • Implement and tune control algorithms for multi-fingered hands-grasping, in-hand manipulation, and tactile-feedback integration.
  • Develop and maintain manipulation software with low-latency, reliable execution inside the real-time controls stack.
  • Translate state-of-the-art methods (RL / imitation policies, human-to-robot motion retargeting) into production-grade C++/Python.
  • Build and refine sim-to-real pipelines-hand models, domain randomization, and validation in IsaacSim / MuJoCo / Drake.
  • Deploy and debug manipulation capabilities on physical robots; diagnose sensor-noise, latency, and calibration issues.
  • Collaborate with hardware and systems engineers, feeding back on hand performance and sensor/actuator requirements.
  • Uphold code quality through rigorous testing, documentation, and peer review.

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

  • Dexterous manipulation experience: multi-fingered grasping, in-hand manipulation, and high-DOF hand control.
  • Reinforcement learning for robotic control-reward design, training, and debugging-ideally applied to dexterous manipulation (imitation learning and diffusion policies a plus).
  • Strong Python and working C++ for real-time robotic software.
  • Hands-on experience training and validating policies in a physics simulator (IsaacSim, MuJoCo, or Drake).
  • Robotics fundamentals: kinematics, dynamics, and Jacobian-based control.
  • A track record of getting algorithms working on physical hardware, not simulation alone.
  • Nice to have: teleoperation (VR/haptic) and retargeting, tactile-sensing integration, computer vision (6D pose / point clouds), and end-effector bring-up & calibration.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

  • BS/MS/PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. 
  • 3+ years of relevant experience in robotic manipulation or complex motion control (recent PhD graduates considered).
  • Evidence of taking complex algorithms from research / simulation to successful deployment on physical hardware.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer 
  • Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times
  • Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen
  • Hearing and speech to communicate