How to hire a modeler

How to hire a modeler, step by step

Here's a step-by-step modeler hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a modeler job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new modeler
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a modeler do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the modeler you need to hire. Certain modeler roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A modeler's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, modelers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of modelers.

   Type of Modeler	Description	Hourly rate
   Modeler	Models pose for artists, customers, or photographers to help advertise a variety of products, including clothing, cosmetics, food, and appliances.	$13-76
   Art Model	An art model's main goal is to provide the necessary inspiration and creative idea for an artist. Models often have amicable personalities that are conducive to artistic ideas... Show more	$13-134

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Python
   • Revit
   • BIM
   • SAS
   • Data Analysis
   • Extraction
   • Predictive Models
   • MATLAB
   • Data Preparation
   • Java
   • Statistical Analysis
   • Model Validation
   • Construction Drawings
   • Math

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Lead a team to carry out marketing research, perform statistical analysis using SAS to determine market potential for various products.
   • Implement the models in MATLAB and Java.
   • Work on exterior advance design models for BMW
   • Develop full-scale models of BMW concept cars
   • Create base model of main character in Maya.
   • Utilize company standards for BIM designs and code compliance.

   More modeler duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your modeler job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A modeler salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

   For example, the average salary for a modeler in Oklahoma may be lower than in Alaska, and an entry-level modeler usually earns less than a senior-level modeler. Additionally, a modeler with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

   Average modeler salary

   $67,837yearly

   $32.61 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level modeler salary

   $28,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 25, 2025

   Average modeler salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$88,537	$43
   2	District of Columbia	$78,827	$38
   3	New York	$75,860	$36
   4	Texas	$72,097	$35
   5	Massachusetts	$70,610	$34
   6	Maryland	$69,862	$34
   7	New Jersey	$69,268	$33
   8	Michigan	$67,046	$32
   9	Minnesota	$66,074	$32
   10	Delaware	$64,676	$31
   11	Washington	$64,214	$31
   12	New Hampshire	$64,164	$31
   13	Ohio	$63,503	$31
   14	Nevada	$59,630	$29
   15	North Carolina	$59,436	$29
   16	Oregon	$59,353	$29
   17	Virginia	$58,913	$28
   18	Colorado	$58,764	$28
   19	Pennsylvania	$56,815	$27
   20	Georgia	$56,137	$27

   Average modeler salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	University of Illinois System	$183,883	$88.41
   2	Citi	$150,811	$72.51
   3	PayPal	$150,330	$72.27
   4	Chevron	$149,978	$72.10
   5	BP America Inc	$144,440	$69.44
   6	Hilcorp Energy	$143,964	$69.21
   7	Bloomberg	$143,773	$69.12
   8	Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.	$142,304	$68.42
   9	BNY Mellon	$137,956	$66.33
   10	Legalmatch.com	$135,905	$65.34	2
   11	Fitbit	$133,779	$64.32
   12	Expedia Group	$132,511	$63.71
   13	Morgan Stanley	$132,377	$63.64	1
   14	Square	$132,196	$63.56
   15	Adobe	$131,955	$63.44
   16	Geisinger Medical Center	$130,913	$62.94
   17	JPMorgan Chase & Co.	$130,418	$62.70
   18	Novartis	$129,321	$62.17
   19	Kforce	$128,263	$61.66
   20	AbbVie	$127,816	$61.45

4. Writing a modeler job description

   A good modeler job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a modeler job description:

   Modeler job description example

   With us, you'll do meaningful work from Day 1. Our collaborative culture is built on three core behaviors: We Play to Win, We Get Better Every Day & We Succeed Together. And we mean it - we want you to grow and make a difference at one of the world's leading digital banking and payments companies. We value what makes you unique so that you have an opportunity to shine.

   Come build your future, while being the reason millions of people find a brighter financial future with Discover.

   Job Description

   At Discover, be part of a culture where diversity, teamwork and collaboration reign. Join a company that is just as employee-focused as it is on its customers and is consistently awarded for both. We're all about people, and our employees are why Discover is a great place to work. Be the reason we help millions of consumers build a brighter financial future and achieve yours along the way with a rewarding career.

   Responsible for developing predictive models to provide modeling solutions to Discover's business partners. Designs and develops models, utilizing machine learning and other algorithms. Presents the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.

   Responsibilities

   • Researches and leverages state-of-the-art modeling techniques; participates in modeling innovation.

   • Leverages extensive, deep technical knowledge and leadership skills to drive the development of data science solutions and implements data-driven recommendations and outcomes.

   • Maintains a high level of competency in statistical and analytical principles, tools and techniques, and supports the advancement of the "best-in-class" analytical capabilities to unlock new capabilities and performance, and quickly adapts to modern modeling techniques. Demonstrates knowledge in analytical tools.

   • Accumulates business and data-domain knowledge.

   Minimum Qualifications

   At a minimum, here's what we need from you:

   • Master's degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Information Technology, Engineering, Economics, or related quantitative field

   • 2+ years of experience in developing data-based analytical solutions, or related field

   Preferred Qualifications

   If we had our say, we'd also look for:

   • Ph.D. in Statistics, Mathematics, Information Technology, Engineering, Economics, or related quantitative field

   • 4+ years of experience in the financial service industry and modeling, or related field

   #LI-CR1

   What are you waiting for? Apply today!

   The same way we treat our employees is how we treat all applicants - with respect. Discover Financial Services is an equal opportunity employer (EEO is the law). We thrive on diversity & inclusion. You will be treated fairly throughout our recruiting process and without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status in consideration for a career at Discover.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right modeler for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with modelers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit modelers who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your modeler job on Zippia to find and recruit modeler candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit modelers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new modeler

   Once you've decided on a perfect modeler candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new modeler. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a modeler?