Photographer earnings by seniority

90th percentile

Top-level photographer earnings begin at:

$44.13 per hour

$91,780 per year

75th percentile

Senior-level photographer earnings begin at:

$29.20 per hour

$60,740 per year

50th percentile

Mid-level photographer earnings begin at:

$19.48 per hour

$40,520 per year

25th percentile

Junior-level photographer earnings begin at:

$17.50 per hour

$36,400 per year

10th percentile

Starting level photographer earnings begin at:

$16.82 per hour

$34,990 per year

Approximate values based on highest and lowest earning segments.

Photographer salary by state

State Name Average Salary
New York $60,050
Massachusetts $57,990
Oregon $53,630
Utah $52,140
Delaware $50,100
Connecticut $49,790
New Mexico $48,090
Washington $48,050
California $47,840
Kentucky $47,170
Colorado $47,070
Maine $46,680
Virginia $46,550
Minnesota $46,470
Maryland $46,450
Hawaii $45,960
Mississippi $45,860
South Dakota $45,330
New Hampshire $44,780
Georgia $43,770
Vermont $43,230
Florida $42,640
Wisconsin $42,060
Nebraska $41,920
Texas $41,280
New Jersey $40,520
Pennsylvania $40,520
Montana $39,900
Wyoming $39,330
Alaska $39,190
Missouri $39,170
Ohio $38,470
Iowa $38,290
Tennessee $37,950
South Carolina $37,890
Kansas $37,790
Nevada $37,460
North Dakota $37,410
Rhode Island $37,300
North Carolina $37,120
Arizona $36,970
Louisiana $36,830
Oklahoma $36,750
Illinois $36,570
Alabama $36,130
West Virginia $36,110
Indiana $35,960
Idaho $33,320
Arkansas $32,810
Michigan $31,351
Puerto Rico $28,840
District of Columbia $110,970

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 New Jersey. On average, they make less than engravers but more than florists.

Career Median Salary
Engraver salary $58K
Jeweler salary $59K
Gem worker salary $59K
Precious metal worker salary $59K
Painting, coating & decorating worker salary $52K
Photographer salary $41K
Potter salary $47K
Glass blower salary $47K
Museum conservator salary $44K
Florist salary $45K

Source: CareerExplorer (Aggregated)