Salary of a Photographer
Average Salary of a Photographer in 2025
Are you thinking about becoming a photographer? Or do you want to know if your pay matches the market? This guide shows you real photographer salaries from trusted sources.
We looked at data from top job sites and government reports to give you the facts.
What's the Average Salary of a Photographer in the USA?
$49,230 - $65,514 per year (Average)
The average photographer's salary varies based on different sources.
Glassdoor reports $60,804 per year, while Salary Expert shows $65,514 annually. Jobted lists $49,230 per year based on hourly rates. ZipRecruiter shows $42,345 per year for entry-level positions.
Photographer salaries have grown over the past decade. Zippia states that photographers made $23,748 in 2014. Now, they earn $33,968 annually. This is a 21% rise over ten years.
Photographer's Salary Key Metrics 2025
Here are the main salary numbers you need to know:
Average salary: Most sources put the average between $49,230 and $65,514 per year. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median hourly wage of $20.44 in May 2024, which equals about $42,515 annually.
Salary range: The typical range is $25,000 to $86,850, depending on experience and location. Entry-level photographers earn about $25,000. In contrast, experienced professionals can make more than $60,000.
Salary by experience tier: Entry-level photographers with less than 3 years earn $15.32 per hour ($31,866 annually). Mid-level photographers with 4-9 years make $19.79 per hour ($41,163 annually). Senior photographers with 1-4 years earn $58,996, while those with 5-9 years make $70,883.
75th percentile: According to ZipRecruiter, 75% of photographers make up to $21.63 an hour. That’s around $44,990 a year.
An analysis of over 8,600 photographer salaries from popular job boards shows big differences. These differences depend on specialization, location, and employment type.
Photographer Salary Regional Comparison
Here's how salaries in different states compare to the national average:
Washington State tops the list, with photographers making $47,960 a year. That’s 13.3% higher than the national average. The District of Columbia offers the highest pay at $91,720, though living costs are much higher there. California photographers earn around $45,000 on average.
The District of Columbia has the highest raw salary numbers.
However, high living costs may lower their value. Washington State offers a nice mix of salary and living costs for many photographers.
4 Tips to Grow as a Photographer
Here are proven ways to boost your photographer's salary:
Choose high-paying photography. Wedding and commercial photographers earn more than general photographers. Industrial and scientific photographers often need bachelor's degrees but earn higher salaries. Photojournalists also command better pay rates.
Develop solid technical skills. Master advanced editing software, studio lighting, and specialized tools. This boosts your value. Photographers with technical expertise can charge premium rates for complex projects.
Gain experience and build your portfolio. Senior photographers with 5-9 years earn $70,883. In contrast, those with 1-4 years make $58,996. A strong portfolio can boost your career. It can take you from entry-level jobs that pay $25,000 to experienced roles earning $60,000 or more.
Think about freelance and staff jobs. Freelance photographers can choose their own rates. They often make more money on each project. However, staff photographers have a steady income and benefits. Choose based on your risk tolerance and business skills.
FAQs About Photographer Salary
What is the average salary of a photographer in 2025?
The average photographer's salary ranges from $49,230 to $65,514 per year in the United States. This varies by experience level, location, and photography specialization.
How much do senior photographers make compared to entry-level photographers?
Senior photographers earn a much higher income than beginners. Senior photographers with 5-9 years of experience earn about $70,883 a year. In contrast, entry-level photographers make between $25,000 and $32,000 annually.
Is the average salary of a photographer before or after taxes?
All salary figures mentioned are gross annual salaries before taxes and deductions. Federal, state, and local taxes will reduce your take-home pay.
Do photographer salaries include bonuses and equipment costs?
No, the base salary numbers don't include bonuses, equipment costs, or business expenses. Freelance photographers need to consider their equipment, insurance, and business costs. These expenses cut into their net income.
What factors affect a photographer's salary the most?
Experience level, photography specialization, location, and employment type are the biggest factors. Commercial and wedding photographers generally earn higher salaries than portrait or event photographers.
Which states pay photographers the highest salaries?
The District of Columbia, Washington, and California have the highest photographer salaries in our data. But the cost of living varies greatly between these locations.
How do freelance photographer salaries compare to staff positions?
Freelance photographers can earn more for each project. However, they deal with changing income and business costs. Staff photographers have a steady income and benefits, but may have lower earning potential.
Can photographers increase their salaries through specialization?
Yes, specialized photographers, like wedding, commercial, industrial, and scientific ones, usually earn more than general photographers. Specialization often requires additional training and equipment investment.
Note: All pay information is current as of 2025. Your actual pay may be different based on your situation and how well you negotiate.
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