Prevailing Wage for Models
Prevailing wages for Models (SOC 41-9012) are set by the Department of Labor across four experience levels, so whether you work as an Art Model, Art Class Model, or Artist's Model, the floor your employer must meet shifts based on your level and the city where you'll be working.
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Entry-level models with limited professional experience, typically one to two years or fewer, working under close supervision on straightforward assignments. Employers filing H-1B or PERM petitions for new entrants to commercial or fine arts modeling typically use Level 1.
Models with moderate experience who handle a range of assignments independently, from showroom work to editorial shoots. Level 2 is the most common filing level for Models, reflecting mid-career professionals who require minimal day-to-day direction from clients or agencies.
Experienced models who bring a specialist portfolio or established client relationships to the role, such as those focused on high-fashion runway, fine arts life drawing, or campaign work requiring demonstrated book depth and consistent independent performance.
Senior models at the top of their field who often lead fittings, serve as brand ambassadors under long-term contracts, or command premium rates in major markets. Level 4 filings are rare and reserved for professionals with a fully established career profile.
Prevailing Wage for Models by OES area
Each shape is a DOL OES area, the unit prevailing wage is published for.
What’s an OES area?
The Department of Labor publishes prevailing wages for geographic zones called OES areas. Every U.S. county belongs to exactly one, and the wage floor applies across the whole area. A worker in Oakland gets the San Francisco metro wage, not a separate Oakland wage.
Top 10 cities · Level 1
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See which U.S. employers are actively hiring for Models and sponsoring H-1B, OPT, and green card visas at or above the prevailing wage.
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Watch for the agency-versus-in-house filing gap
Models booked through a talent agency and models hired directly by a fashion house or retailer can end up filed under different wage levels even for identical work. Check whether the petitioner is the agency or the end employer, since the LCA worksite address controls which OES metro wage applies.
Check New York and Los Angeles wage floors separately
The Model prevailing wage in New York and Los Angeles diverges sharply from the national median, with New York compressed across levels and Los Angeles showing a wide Level 1 to Level 4 spread. Comparing an offer against the national figure alone will mislead you in either market.
Flag signing bonuses that are counted toward wage compliance
DOL's prevailing wage obligation for Models is measured against the annualized base wage, not one-time signing payments. Some agency contracts front-load a signing advance that employers later argue satisfies the floor. Confirm the base hourly or annual rate meets the prevailing wage independently.
Use Migrate Mate to find employers with modeling sponsorship history
Modeling sponsorships are rare relative to tech or finance roles. Migrate Mate shows which employers have actually filed H-1B or green card petitions for Models in the past, so you can focus your outreach on agencies and brands with a real track record of sponsoring the role.
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Find Jobs for ModelsPrevailing Wage by Reported Job Title
DOL classifies these titles under SOC 41-9012.00 alongside Models, so the same four-tier wage schedule applies to each. Tap a title to see the full breakdown.
Art Class Model Prevailing Wage
Art Class Model Prevailing Wage
Art Class Model positions fall under SOC 41-9012.00 (Models). DOL OFLC publishes one four-tier prevailing wage schedule for the entire classification; employers filing H-1B, E-3, or PERM petitions for this title use the levels below.
Art Model Prevailing Wage
Art Model Prevailing Wage
When a U.S. employer sponsors a Art Model for a work visa or green card, DOL applies the prevailing wage schedule for SOC 41-9012.00 (Models). Wage level reflects the role's experience and responsibility, not the title itself.
Artist's Model Prevailing Wage
Artist's Model Prevailing Wage
Artist's Model is an O*NET-reported job title within SOC 41-9012.00 (Models). All roles in this SOC share the same prevailing wage tiers. The level an employer files at depends on what the role requires, not which title is used.
Figure Model Prevailing Wage
Figure Model Prevailing Wage
Figure Model positions fall under SOC 41-9012.00 (Models). DOL OFLC publishes one four-tier prevailing wage schedule for the entire classification; employers filing H-1B, E-3, or PERM petitions for this title use the levels below.
Fine Arts Model Prevailing Wage
Fine Arts Model Prevailing Wage
When a U.S. employer sponsors a Fine Arts Model for a work visa or green card, DOL applies the prevailing wage schedule for SOC 41-9012.00 (Models). Wage level reflects the role's experience and responsibility, not the title itself.
Life Drawing Model Prevailing Wage
Life Drawing Model Prevailing Wage
Life Drawing Model is an O*NET-reported job title within SOC 41-9012.00 (Models). All roles in this SOC share the same prevailing wage tiers. The level an employer files at depends on what the role requires, not which title is used.
Nude Model Prevailing Wage
Nude Model Prevailing Wage
Nude Model positions fall under SOC 41-9012.00 (Models). DOL OFLC publishes one four-tier prevailing wage schedule for the entire classification; employers filing H-1B, E-3, or PERM petitions for this title use the levels below.
Studio Model Prevailing Wage
Studio Model Prevailing Wage
When a U.S. employer sponsors a Studio Model for a work visa or green card, DOL applies the prevailing wage schedule for SOC 41-9012.00 (Models). Wage level reflects the role's experience and responsibility, not the title itself.
Undraped Artist Model Prevailing Wage
Undraped Artist Model Prevailing Wage
Undraped Artist Model is an O*NET-reported job title within SOC 41-9012.00 (Models). All roles in this SOC share the same prevailing wage tiers. The level an employer files at depends on what the role requires, not which title is used.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does DOL set the prevailing wage for Models?
DOL calculates prevailing wages using Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For Models (SOC 41-9012), it surveys wages paid by employers in each metropolitan area and assigns four levels based on experience and skill. Employers filing an LCA for a sponsored Model position must offer at least the level wage that matches the role's requirements at the worksite location.
What do the four wage levels mean and how do I know which one applies to me?
Level 1 covers entry-level work under close supervision, Level 2 reflects qualified professionals performing a range of assignments with moderate independence, Level 3 is for experienced practitioners with a specialist portfolio, and Level 4 is for fully competent senior professionals. Your level is determined by the job duties and supervision structure in the LCA, not your preference. Review the duties section of any offer carefully and ask which level the employer intends to file.
Why does the prevailing wage for the same modeling role vary so much city to city?
DOL uses regional Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys, so wages reflect what employers in each metro area actually pay. A Model position in New York sits in a dense, high-cost market with concentrated fashion-industry demand, which drives the floor up. A position in Akron or Riverside reflects a thinner local employer market. The LCA must list the actual worksite address, and the prevailing wage is pulled from that specific metro, not a national average.
What happens if an employer offers a salary below the prevailing wage for a sponsored position?
An LCA certified by DOL requires the employer to pay at least the prevailing wage for the occupation and location. If the offered salary falls below that floor, USCIS can deny the H-1B or green card petition for failing to meet wage requirements. The employer would need to amend the offer or refile at a wage that meets or exceeds the applicable level. OFLC can also audit certified LCAs and pursue back-wage liability if compliance lapses after certification.
How do I find and verify the prevailing wage for a specific U.S. location?
Use the OFLC Wage Search tool, which lets you look up the current prevailing wage for Models (SOC 41-9012) by metropolitan area and wage level. Cross-reference the result with the worksite city listed in your offer letter, since the relevant metro is wherever you will physically perform the work. O*NET also lists occupational details that help confirm you are searching under the correct SOC code.
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