Why We Love It
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$95,810Potential Avg. Salary
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2.5%Job Growth Rate
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Growing DemandJob Outlook
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Deal MakingCareer Attribute
Modeling agents handle all of the day-to-day business responsibilities for the models they represent. They work with models to create portfolios, acquire headshots, and put together comp cards that are used to find models jobs with advertisers and magazines, or to find runway jobs with fashion designers.
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What is a Modeling Agent?
The following job responsibilities are common for individuals in modeling agent roles:
- Find and secure job opportunities for represented models
- Grow and maintain a large network of professional contacts in the fashion industry
- Send models’ promotional materials—headshots, portfolios, and comp cards—out to hiring entities
- Conduct research to collect new opportunities for clients
- Negotiate on behalf of represented clients to ensure client interests are always served
A Day in the Life
Modeling agents are responsible for finding work for models and handling the day-to-day business responsibilities. Because modeling is a competitive field, models rely on their agents to find and secure modeling opportunities on their behalf. Modeling agents conduct scouting work to identify promising new models. Then, they train models how to excel in the field, secure headshots of their models, create comp cards, and put together portfolios to be used when submitting their models for open roles.
In order for modeling agents to be successful in their roles, they need to have a large network of contacts in the fashion industry. Modeling agents find work for their clients in runway shows, requiring them to form relationships with fashion designers. They find work for clients in magazine photo shoots, requiring them to form relationships with fashion magazine editors and publishers. They also find work for their clients in advertising, requiring them to do thorough research to discover new opportunities.
Beyond finding and securing work for their clients, modeling agents also conduct the business activities related to job opportunities. They negotiate contracts and pay on behalf of their models, request payment for completed jobs, and provide models with payment for their jobs after completion. When seeking new work for clients, modeling agents must work to ensure the opportunities they find serve the best interests of clients. This may include reviewing contracts and ensuring pay is appropriate.
Typical Work Schedule
Modeling agents typically work long hours. While the bulk of their work may be completed during normal business hours, they may also be required to work evenings and weekends to support their clients as well as the companies where they’ve placed models.
Typical Employers
Modeling agents usually either work for modeling agencies or are self-employed. Some of the biggest modeling agencies that employ modeling agents include Ford Models, Marilyn Agency, Storm Model Management, ONE Management, and Next Models NYC.
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How To Become a Modeling Agent
There is no standard path to becoming a modeling agent; in fact, you can take a number of different paths. Many modeling agents begin their careers as models and move into modeling agent work after their professional modeling career comes to an end. Because modeling commonly has an expiration date—it’s not usually a career one can have until retirement—models commonly move into agency roles after closing out their modeling careers. Because they’ve worked in the field for so long, they usually have a large network of contacts and understand the ins and out of modeling that agents deal with.
For aspiring modeling agents who do not want—or aren’t able— to begin their careers as models, earning a bachelor’s degree in a related field is a good starting point. Modeling agents must be well educated in aspects of both business and fashion. Some pursue majors related to fashion, art, or design, and some study business, marketing, or sales. The reality is that successful modeling agents need skills in all of these areas, so regardless of the major you choose, you should make sure to take coursework in other relevant areas.
While in college or after graduation, you’ll need to begin accruing professional experience in the field. This is usually through unpaid internships or entry-level positions with modeling agencies or other businesses in the fashion industry. Usually, modeling agents have to work for many years in entry-level positions before they’re able to qualify for higher-level roles as modeling agents. The years of early professional experience allow aspiring modeling agents to grow their networks and gain a full understanding of the industry before taking on the responsibilities of a modeling agent.
Modeling Agent Salary Data
We’ve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.
National Anual Salary
Low Range
$40,080Average
$95,810High Range
---National Hourly Wage
Low Range
$19/hrAverage
$46/hrHigh Range
---How do Modeling Agent salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Modeling Agent's can make an average annual salary of $95,810, or $46 per hour. On the lower end, they can make $40,080 or $19 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.
Salary Rankings And Facts
#74 Nationally for All Careers
Above Average Salary Nationally
Programs and Degrees
Here are the most common degrees for becoming a Modeling Agent. a is usually recommended and specifically a degree or coursework that prepares you for the particular field, see below.
Highest Education Among Modeling Agents
- 4.4% Doctorate
- 9.4% Masters
- 46.2% Bachelors
- 9% Associates
- 20.8% College
- 9.3% High School
- 0.9% Less than High School
Job Growth Projections and Forecast
2014 Total Jobs
19,7002024 Est. Jobs
20,200Job Growth Rate
2.5%Est. New Jobs
500How does Modeling Agent job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of 500 jobs for a total of 20,200 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a 2.5% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Above Average.
Growth Rankings And Facts
#533 Nationally for All Careers
Above Avg. Growth Nationally
What Companies Employ The Most Modeling Agents
| Industry | Current Jobs | New Jobs Needed | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agents and managers for artists, athletes, entertainers, and other public figures | 8,400 | --- | 0% |
| Self-employed workers | 7,500 | 300 | 0% |
| Promoters of performing arts, sports, and similar events | 800 | 100 | 0% |
