Models
Machines can already do 8% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 35%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Models in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 8% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 0% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2040, and 35% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 3,780 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $48,470 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 64% for contact with people.
- Also called: Art Class Model, Art Model, Artist's Model, Figure Model.
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pose as directed, or strike suitable interpretive poses for promoting and selling merchandise or fashions during appearances, filming, or photo sessions | 23% | 3% to 30% | |
| Assemble and maintain portfolios, print composite cards, and travel to go-sees to obtain jobs | 17% | 3% to 30% | |
| Follow strict routines of diet, sleep, and exercise to maintain appearance | 17% | 3% to 30% | |
| Pose for artists and photographers | 10% | 3% to 30% | |
| Work closely with photographers, fashion coordinators, directors, producers, stylists, make-up artists, other models, and clients to produce the desired looks, and to finish photo shoots on schedule | 10% | 3% to 30% | |
| Apply makeup to face and style hair to enhance appearance, considering such factors as color, camera techniques, and facial features | 7% | 3% to 30% | |
| Dress in sample or completed garments, and select accessories | 7% | 3% to 30% | |
| Gather information from agents concerning the pay, dates, times, provisions, and lengths of jobs | 5% | 55% to 85% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills models use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Athletes and Sports Competitors33% of tasks by 2035 · US median $66,710
- Dancers33% of tasks by 2035
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Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Models?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2040. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of models?
Machines can do 8% of the tasks of models today and 35% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 41-9012.00 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring and forecast: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit; after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Models: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/models/