Photographer earnings by seniority

90th percentile

Top-level photographer earnings begin at:

$32.40 per hour

$67,393 per year

75th percentile

Senior-level photographer earnings begin at:

$23.96 per hour

$49,844 per year

50th percentile

Mid-level photographer earnings begin at:

$17.14 per hour

$35,650 per year

25th percentile

Junior-level photographer earnings begin at:

$12.26 per hour

$25,498 per year

10th percentile

Starting level photographer earnings begin at:

$9.07 per hour

$18,859 per year

Approximate values based on highest and lowest earning segments.

Photographer salary by state

State Name Average Salary
District of Columbia $84,720
Rhode Island $55,990
California $48,253
Minnesota $47,810
Massachusetts $46,770
Washington $44,180
Mississippi $43,330
Vermont $43,230
Connecticut $43,210
New York $43,210
Alaska $42,160
South Carolina $42,090
Hawaii $42,025
Illinois $41,374
Florida $39,990
Indiana $38,125
Arizona $36,817
Georgia $36,670
Missouri $36,470
Maryland $35,670
Kentucky $35,650
Wyoming $35,360
North Dakota $35,140
Alabama $34,931
New Hampshire $34,020
Kansas $33,607
Virginia $32,820
Pennsylvania $32,509
New Mexico $32,300
Delaware $31,810
Michigan $31,351
Oklahoma $31,330
Colorado $31,230
Idaho $31,117
Maine $30,980
Louisiana $30,220
Ohio $29,920
Nebraska $29,820
Nevada $29,820
Oregon $29,750
West Virginia $29,480
Iowa $29,448
South Dakota $29,420
Wisconsin $29,360
Puerto Rico $28,840
Tennessee $28,530
Arkansas $28,380
Texas $28,100
New Jersey $27,570
Utah $27,000
North Carolina $26,400
Montana $23,110

How much does a Photographer earn?

A photographer's salary range varies because location, marketing skills, experience, reputation, charisma, and area of specialization all play an integral role in a photographer's fees. To make money with photography, one has to approach it as a business. Yes, photography is all about creativity and style, but even the most imaginative mind can still fail to generate an income.

A freelance photographer's salary depends on the number of assignments he or she receives and the fee he or she charges. There are various types of photography one can choose from - choose the path that lines up best with your passion and vision. The five most lucrative careers for a photographer are wedding photography, fashion photography, sports photography, product photography, and portrait photography.

How do photographer salaries compare to similar careers?

Photographers earn about the same as related careers in Kentucky. On average, they make less than urban planners but more than potters.

Career Median Salary
Urban planner salary $49K
Exhibit designer salary $54K
Illustrator salary $40K
Graphic designer salary $39K
Camera operator salary $37K
Photographer salary $36K
Museum conservator salary $38K
Hand sewer salary $39K
Engraver salary $31K
Potter salary $33K

Source: CareerExplorer (Aggregated)