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How much does a Photographer make in Chicago, IL?

The average salary for a Photographer is $48,750 per year in Chicago, IL.

In Chicago, IL, photographers can expect to earn a competitive salary. The average yearly salary for photographers in this city is around $48,750. This figure can vary based on experience, specialization, and the type of photography one engages in.

The salary range for photographers in Chicago spans from $30,500 to $126,060 per year. Photographers with less experience or those just starting out may earn closer to the lower end of this range. As photographers gain experience and build a strong portfolio, they can see their earnings increase. Specializations such as wedding photography, commercial photography, or fine art photography can also influence salary levels. For instance, a wedding photographer may command higher fees due to the specialized nature of the work.

Photographer jobs in Chicago, IL

What are the highest paying cities for a Photographer near Chicago, IL?

Photographers near Chicago, IL, can find some of the best pay in Orland Park. This city offers an average salary of $50,950. Joliet, another nearby city, provides a solid average salary of $48,062. These figures highlight the potential for higher earnings in these areas.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Photographer jobs near Chicago, IL, highlighting Orland Park, IL with the highest at $50,950 and Palatine, IL with the lowest at $36,071.
  1. Orland Park, IL
    Average Salary: $50,950
    In Orland Park, a city known for its vibrant community, professionals capture the essence of local events and businesses. Opportunities exist with local marketing firms and event planners. The scenic parks and community centers offer a variety of subjects for photography.
    Find Photographer jobs in Orland Park, IL


  2. Joliet, IL
    Average Salary: $48,062
    Joliet offers a mix of urban and natural settings, providing diverse opportunities for photographers. Local businesses and event organizers often seek skilled photographers to document community events and local attractions. The city's rich history and modern developments create a dynamic backdrop for photography.
    Find Photographer jobs in Joliet, IL


  3. Schaumburg, IL
    Average Salary: $45,645
    Schaumburg, a hub for business and technology, provides ample opportunities for photographers to work with corporate clients. The city's modern architecture and business parks offer a variety of subjects. Photographers can collaborate with marketing agencies and tech companies to create compelling visuals.
    Find Photographer jobs in Schaumburg, IL


  4. Waukegan, IL
    Average Salary: $45,467
    Waukegan, with its lakeside charm and historic sites, offers unique photography opportunities. Photographers can capture the beauty of Lake Michigan and the city's rich heritage. Local businesses and tourism boards often seek photographers to highlight the area's attractions.
    Find Photographer jobs in Waukegan, IL


  5. Rockford, IL
    Average Salary: $45,057
    Rockford, known for its industrial roots and cultural scene, offers diverse photography opportunities. Photographers can work with local businesses, event organizers, and cultural institutions. The city's blend of urban and natural landscapes provides a rich variety of subjects.
    Find Photographer jobs in Rockford, IL


  6. Evanston, IL
    Average Salary: $43,150
    Evanston, a city with a strong academic presence, offers opportunities for photographers to work with universities and educational institutions. The city's vibrant community and scenic lakefront provide a variety of subjects. Photographers can also capture the essence of local events and festivals.
    Find Photographer jobs in Evanston, IL


  7. Naperville, IL
    Average Salary: $42,498
    Naperville, a city known for its historic architecture and modern amenities, offers diverse photography opportunities. Photographers can work with local businesses, event planners, and real estate companies. The city's blend of old and new provides a rich variety of subjects.
    Find Photographer jobs in Naperville, IL


  8. Aurora, IL
    Average Salary: $39,450
    Aurora, with its growing population and diverse community, offers many opportunities for photographers. Local businesses, event organizers, and community groups often seek skilled photographers. The city's parks and neighborhoods provide a variety of subjects for photography.
    Find Photographer jobs in Aurora, IL


  9. Skokie, IL
    Average Salary: $38,000
    Skokie, a city known for its vibrant community and cultural events, offers diverse photography opportunities. Photographers can work with local businesses, event organizers, and cultural institutions. The city's parks and neighborhoods provide a variety of subjects.
    Find Photographer jobs in Skokie, IL


  10. Palatine, IL
    Average Salary: $36,071
    Palatine, a city with a mix of residential and commercial areas, offers opportunities for photographers to work with local businesses and community organizations. The city's parks and neighborhoods provide a variety of subjects. Photographers can capture the essence of local events and community life.
    Find Photographer jobs in Palatine, IL

What are the best paying companies for a Photographer in Chicago, IL?

Photographers in Chicago, IL, can find top-paying jobs with Universal Church Directories, offering an average salary of $66,250. Marathonfoto also provides a competitive salary of $60,000. Nationwide Studios, GradImages, and Jostens offer salaries around $40,000, making them attractive options for skilled photographers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Photographer jobs in Chicago, IL, highlighting Universal Church Directories with the highest at $66,250 and Photogenic Inc. with the lowest at $32,400.
  1. Universal Church Directories
    Average Salary: $66,250
    Universal Church Directories offers exciting opportunities for photographers in Chicago. They focus on capturing church events and community gatherings. Their work spans across various locations in the city, providing a diverse range of photography experiences.


  2. Marathonfoto
    Average Salary: $60,000
    Marathonfoto is a leading photography company in Chicago. They specialize in event photography, capturing moments at races and other large gatherings. Their photographers work in various venues across the city, offering dynamic and engaging job opportunities.


  3. Nationwide Studios
    Average Salary: $40,000
    Nationwide Studios provides photography services for businesses and events in Chicago. They focus on corporate photography, portraits, and event coverage. Their photographers work in different parts of the city, ensuring high-quality images for their clients.


  4. GradImages
    Average Salary: $40,000
    GradImages offers photography services for graduation events in Chicago. They capture the special moments of students' achievements. Their photographers work at various schools and venues across the city, providing memorable experiences for graduates.


  5. Jostens
    Average Salary: $38,667
    Jostens is known for its school and event photography services in Chicago. They provide high-quality images for school events and graduations. Their photographers work in different locations, ensuring every moment is captured beautifully.


  6. Mom365
    Average Salary: $38,057
    Mom365 offers photography services for family events and portraits in Chicago. They focus on capturing the joy and love within families. Their photographers work in various settings, providing personalized and heartfelt images.


  7. Inter-State Studio & Publishing Co.
    Average Salary: $36,800
    Inter-State Studio & Publishing Co. provides photography services for various events and publications in Chicago. They specialize in event photography and portraits. Their photographers work in different parts of the city, offering diverse and engaging job opportunities.


  8. Bella Baby Photography
    Average Salary: $35,357
    Bella Baby Photography focuses on capturing the precious moments of newborns and families in Chicago. They offer newborn, maternity, and family portrait sessions. Their photographers work in various locations, providing beautiful and heartfelt images.


  9. Lifetouch
    Average Salary: $34,000
    Lifetouch offers photography services for schools and events in Chicago. They specialize in capturing school events, portraits, and other special moments. Their photographers work in different parts of the city, ensuring every event is beautifully documented.


  10. Photogenic Inc.
    Average Salary: $32,400
    Photogenic Inc. provides photography services for events and portraits in Chicago. They focus on capturing the essence of special moments. Their photographers work in various locations, offering creative and professional photography services.

Currently 1,152 Photographer job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Photographer in the US?

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Photographer
1,152 Job Openings