Utah’s Unusual Trend Of Jesus Models Actually Makes Money

In Utah, looking like Jesus can be a way to earn some side hustle money in 2025.  

Utah is a highly religious state, and the members of the LDS church are pretty much everywhere. That means that Jesus look a likes are having a boom...in money.  

In some places like Las Vegas and New York a picture with Elvis or some other “celebrity” or character is highly prized. That's why they can charge the big bucks for them. Getting one picture can easily cost you $20. In Utah that equivalent is Jesus.  

If you are a long haired and bearded man in Utah, you could be missing out on some cash according to the Wall Street Journal.  

A new trend that started last year in Utah is having “Jesus” at weddings, birthdays, in holiday cards and more. These Jesus models are in high demand the WSJ said and charge about $100 to $200 an hour.  

Some of these models are expected to behave in a more Christ-like fashion and one model said he even had to remind a customer that he was not in fact Jesus.  

Ironically, finding a Jesus model in heavy LDS areas can be difficult since being clean shaven and short haired is a requirement by the Church.  

Some of these models have been approached at random on the streets by those looking who are looking to get a more personalized picture with a Jesus look alike, the WSJ said. They then began doing so for the money and their faces could be in several family homes.  

So, if you’re a guy with long hair and a beard a new side hustle could be coming your way in the form of photos.