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Life Model Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arco/murray

BIM Modeler

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$28K/mo

A DAY IN THE LIFE * Model mechanical, plumbing, and process piping systems using Revit * Create and maintain 3D equipment models to show final utility connections and coordinate different ...

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Life Model information

See salary details

$10

$31

$67

How much do life model jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for life model in the United States is $31.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $39.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Life Model vs Figure Model?

AspectLife ModelFigure Model
CredentialsNone required, but some may have art or modeling experienceNone required, often used interchangeably with Life Model
Work EnvironmentArt studios, life drawing classes, photography shootsArt studios, life drawing classes, photography shoots
Industry UsageCommonly used in art and photography industriesCommonly used in art and photography industries
Search & Comparison IntentPeople seeking to understand or find Life Models for art projectsOften used interchangeably with Life Model in search queries

Both Life Model and Figure Model refer to individuals who pose for artists or photographers to create artwork. The terms are often used interchangeably, with no significant difference in credentials or work environment. They are primarily employed in art studios and photography settings, making their roles very similar in industry usage and search intent.

What are life models?

Life models are individuals who pose for artists, art students, photographers, or sculptors, typically in the nude or in minimal clothing. Their primary role is to provide a live reference for studying the human form, anatomy, and movement, which is essential for developing artistic skills. Life models must remain still in various poses for extended periods and work in a professional, respectful environment. This job requires patience, body confidence, and the ability to take direction from artists or instructors.

How much do life models get paid?

Life models typically earn between $15 and $50 per hour, depending on the location, experience, and the setting, such as art classes, studios, or workshops. Some models may also be paid per session or event, with rates varying accordingly.

Is life modeling physically demanding?

Life modeling can be physically demanding as it requires holding poses for extended periods, often in a standing or seated position. Models need good posture, stamina, and sometimes the ability to maintain challenging poses without movement, which can be physically taxing. Regular practice and proper conditioning can help manage the physical demands of the job.

How can I become a life model?

To become a life model, you should build a portfolio of your poses, often including photographs or drawings, and contact local art schools, studios, or online platforms that hire models. No formal certification is required, but reliability, good physical condition, and the ability to hold poses for extended periods are important. Models typically work on a freelance basis or through agencies, and scheduling can vary based on demand.

What should I expect from a typical posing session as a life model, and how can I prepare for it?

As a life model, you can expect posing sessions to last anywhere from one to three hours, often with breaks every 20–30 minutes. The environment is usually professional and respectful, with artists focused on their work. Preparation involves bringing a robe or cover-up for breaks, practicing holding still in various poses, and communicating any physical limitations to the instructor beforehand. Flexibility, punctuality, and good communication are highly valued, as they help ensure a positive experience for both you and the artists.

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

To thrive as a Life Model, you need body awareness, the ability to hold poses for extended periods, and a professional attitude, with most roles not requiring formal qualifications. Familiarity with art studio environments and the ability to follow direction from artists or instructors is often necessary. Reliability, punctuality, and comfort with body confidence and stillness are key soft skills that set successful models apart. These skills ensure that artists can effectively study and capture the human form, supporting a productive and respectful creative environment.

How much do live models make?

Live models typically earn between $15 and $50 per hour, depending on the setting, experience, and location. Some models may also be paid per session or project, with rates varying based on the complexity and duration of the pose. Experience, professionalism, and the type of modeling (e.g., art, fashion, fitness) can influence earnings.
More about Life Model jobs
What cities are hiring for Life Model jobs? Cities with the most Life Model job openings:
What states have the most Life Model jobs? States with the most job openings for Life Model jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Life Model jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Life Model jobs are:
Life Model jobs near you
Infographic showing various Life Model job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 41% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,246 per year, or $31.4 per hour.
PT Life Model

PT Life Model

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC)

Benton, AR • On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Part-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) provides quality and affordable higher education to empower lives and strengthen communities within Northwest Arkansas and surrounding areas.
As the largest community college in Arkansas, NWACC is recognized as a leader in education. NWACC offers a full range of associate degrees, certificates and workforce training programs that prepare students for rewarding futures and careers.
NWACC employees are dedicated to fostering a diverse educational community and cultural learning environment that supports student success.
The Art Department is seeking qualified applicants of all ages (18 and older) to establish a pool for part-time life models for figure drawing course(s), among others. All walks of life are welcome and encouraged to apply.
The Art Department offers courses in Art Appreciation, Art History, History of Photography and Graphic Design, drawing, oil painting, watermedia, sculpture, ceramics, figure drawing, introduction to studio art, and photography. Email is the primary method that NWACC utilizes to communicate with its applicants. If you choose not to provide an email address, please note that you will need to log back into the system in order to obtain updates regarding your application.
NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) provides quality and affordable higher education to empower lives and strengthen communities within Northwest Arkansas and surrounding areas.
As the largest community college in Arkansas, NWACC is recognized as a leader in education. NWACC offers a full range of associate degrees, certificates and workforce training programs that prepare students for rewarding futures and careers.
NWACC employees are dedicated to fostering a diverse educational community and cultural learning environment that supports student success.
Rate of pay: $18 - $22 per hour depending on experience; usual hours per week = 2.75 hours
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Must be 18 years of age or older and pass a criminal background check
  • Must be comfortable posing nude
  • Must have a professional presence and appropriately interact with students and faculty
  • Reliability and punctuality are essential. The success of the educational environment relies upon the model arrive on time and being ready to pose as scheduled
  • Applicants should be comfortable working in a multiethnic/multicultural environment
  • Ability to work primarily daytime and some evening hours as needed.

Physical and Environmental Demands
Environmental Demands
The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Physical Demands
The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.
While performing the functions of this job, the employee is:
Frequently:
• Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding
• Sitting
• Standing
• Walking
Constantly:
• Hearing
• Repetitive motion
• Talking
NWACC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEOC policy.
Required Qualifications
Physical fitness level that allows one to pose for an hour or more at a time.
A minimum of 2 references from supervisors from modeling at a college, university, or community art center.
Preferred Qualifications
At least 2 years of experience in a university, college, or community arts center as a life model
NWACC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy.

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