The average salary for a photographer in South Dakota is around $45,330 per year.
Avg Salary
Photographers earn an average yearly salary of $45,330.
Wages typically start from $31,150 and go up to $54,750.
33% below national average Updated in 2025
Photographer earnings by seniority
Top-level photographer earnings begin at:
$26.32 per hour
$54,750 per year
Senior-level photographer earnings begin at:
$24.11 per hour
$50,150 per year
Mid-level photographer earnings begin at:
$21.79 per hour
$45,330 per year
Junior-level photographer earnings begin at:
$16.87 per hour
$35,090 per year
Starting level photographer earnings begin at:
$14.98 per hour
$31,150 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 South Dakota. On average, they make less than graphic designers but more than painting, coating & decorating workers.
| Career | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Graphic designer salary | $48K |
| Camera operator salary | $44K |
| Precious metal worker salary | $45K |
| Gem worker salary | $45K |
| Jeweler salary | $45K |
| Photographer salary | $45K |
| Film and video editor salary | $39K |
| Engraver salary | $41K |
| Florist salary | $34K |
| Painting, coating & decorating worker salary | $32K |
Source: CareerExplorer (Aggregated)