Photographer Salary in 2026
Photographers capture images for commercial, editorial, and artistic purposes using professional cameras and editing software. They specialize in areas like portraits, events, or products.
Median Salary
$44,000
$3,667/mo
Entry Level
$29,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$71,000
experienced
Job Growth
-4%
10-yr outlook
Photographer Overview
Photographers capture images for commercial, editorial, and artistic purposes using professional cameras and editing software. They specialize in areas like portraits, events, or products.
Education
No Formal Requirement
Experience
1-3 years portfolio
Industry
Creative
Total Jobs (US)
60K
5-Year Growth
+10%
Category
Creative
Hourly Rate
$21.15/hr
Monthly Pay
$3,667
Photographer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Photographer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Photographer Salary
$57,000
$4,750/month · $2,192/biweekly · $27.40/hr
Photographer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Photographer field.
Entry-level Photographers earn around $29,000, while the top 10% earn $82,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Photographers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $52,000 | +$8,000 |
| New York | $51,000 | +$7,000 |
| Illinois | $46,000 | +$2,000 |
| Florida | $43,000 | $-1,000 |
| Texas | $43,000 | $-1,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Photographers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $52,000 | +$8,000 |
| Los Angeles | $49,000 | +$5,000 |
| Chicago | $46,000 | +$2,000 |
| Miami | $45,000 | +$1,000 |
| Austin | $45,000 | +$1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Photographer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Photographer from entry level to expert.
$29,000
0-2 years
$50,000
3-7 years
$71,000
8-14 years
$93,000
15+ years
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Photographer Salary FAQ
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