How much does a Photographer make in Pittsburgh, PA?
A photographer in Pittsburgh, PA, can expect to earn a competitive salary. On average, photographers in the area make about $51,348 per year. This figure can vary based on experience and the type of photography they specialize in.
The salary range for photographers in Pittsburgh spans from $22,500 to $102,100 annually. Most photographers fall within the middle of this range, with salaries around $36,973 to $87,627. Factors like the photographer's skill level, portfolio quality, and client base can influence their earnings. Photographers who work in high-demand areas, such as event photography or commercial work, often earn more.
What are the highest paying cities for a Photographer near Pittsburgh, PA?

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Detroit, MI
Average Salary: $55,200
Detroit offers a vibrant scene for visual storytelling. Photographers here capture the city's rich history and modern culture. Companies like General Motors and local advertising agencies provide diverse opportunities.
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Columbus, OH
Average Salary: $53,022
Columbus is a growing hub for creative professionals. Photographers find work in advertising, events, and corporate settings. Local businesses and media outlets offer a variety of projects.
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Cincinnati, OH
Average Salary: $49,950
Cincinnati's unique blend of urban and suburban settings creates a dynamic environment for photographers. Opportunities range from event photography to commercial work for local businesses.
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Toledo, OH
Average Salary: $45,141
Toledo provides a mix of industrial and natural landscapes. Photographers here capture everything from cityscapes to scenic views. Local companies and tourism boards offer steady job prospects.
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Cleveland, OH
Average Salary: $43,343
Cleveland's diverse culture and historic architecture make it a great place for photographers. The city offers many opportunities in event photography, advertising, and commercial work.
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Lancaster, PA
Average Salary: $42,210
Lancaster's picturesque landscapes and historic charm attract photographers. The city offers work in tourism, events, and local businesses. The Amish community also provides unique photo opportunities.
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Indianapolis, IN
Average Salary: $41,442
Indianapolis is a thriving city with a strong arts scene. Photographers here find work in advertising, events, and corporate photography. The city's vibrant culture offers endless inspiration.
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Buffalo, NY
Average Salary: $41,112
Buffalo's unique architecture and scenic waterfront make it an appealing place for photographers. The city offers opportunities in tourism, events, and local businesses. The arts scene is also quite active.
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Charleston, WV
Average Salary: $39,923
Charleston's historic charm and natural beauty provide a rich backdrop for photographers. The city offers work in tourism, events, and local businesses. The scenic river views add to the appeal.
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Youngstown, OH
Average Salary: $39,087
Youngstown's industrial roots and scenic landscapes offer diverse opportunities for photographers. The city's revitalization efforts provide new projects in advertising and events. Local businesses also seek visual content.
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What are the best paying companies for a Photographer in Pittsburgh, PA?

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CBS News and Stations
Average Salary: $95,435
CBS News and Stations offers exciting opportunities for photographers in Pittsburgh, PA. They focus on delivering high-quality visual content for their news broadcasts. This company operates multiple locations in the Pittsburgh area, providing photographers with diverse work environments.
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Universal Church Directories
Average Salary: $64,063
Universal Church Directories provides photographers with a unique opportunity to capture church events and services. They operate in various locations across Pittsburgh, offering photographers a chance to work in different settings and communities.
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Cox Media Group
Average Salary: $60,800
Cox Media Group offers photographers a chance to work in a dynamic media environment. They have multiple locations in Pittsburgh, providing photographers with diverse opportunities to enhance their skills and portfolios.
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Marathonfoto
Average Salary: $55,000
Marathonfoto specializes in event photography, offering photographers the chance to capture memorable moments at various events. They operate in Pittsburgh, providing photographers with a vibrant and fast-paced work environment.
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GradImages
Average Salary: $41,714
GradImages focuses on capturing graduation events, offering photographers the opportunity to work at schools and universities. They operate in Pittsburgh, providing a chance to work in educational settings and capture important milestones.
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Nationwide Studios
Average Salary: $40,000
Nationwide Studios offers photographers a variety of opportunities in commercial and portrait photography. They have multiple locations in Pittsburgh, providing photographers with diverse work environments and projects.
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Jostens
Average Salary: $38,000
Jostens specializes in school and event photography, offering photographers a chance to work on school portraits and events. They operate in Pittsburgh, providing a stable and consistent work environment.
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Lifetouch
Average Salary: $31,000
Lifetouch offers photographers the opportunity to work on school portraits and family events. They have multiple locations in Pittsburgh, providing photographers with a chance to work in familiar and comfortable settings.
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Shutterfly
Average Salary: $30,333
Shutterfly provides photographers with a chance to work on photo books and custom products. They operate in Pittsburgh, offering photographers a chance to work in a creative and innovative environment.
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Barksdale School Portraits
Average Salary: $29,166
Barksdale School Portraits specializes in school portraits, offering photographers the opportunity to work on capturing students' milestones. They operate in Pittsburgh, providing a chance to work in educational settings.
What are the best paying Photographer related jobs in Pittsburgh, PA?

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Creative Director
Average Salary: $115,314
This role involves leading a team of creatives to develop visual concepts. Companies like Carnegie Mellon University and Highmark Health often seek creative directors. They focus on branding and marketing strategies.
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Videographer
Average Salary: $80,883
Videographers capture moving images for various purposes. They work with production companies, advertising firms, and event planners. They need to understand lighting, camera angles, and editing software.
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Marketing Specialist
Average Salary: $64,653
Marketing specialists create campaigns to promote products or services. They work for companies like PPG Industries and UPMC. They analyze market trends and develop strategies to reach target audiences.
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Content Creator
Average Salary: $60,492
Content creators produce written, visual, or audio content for websites, social media, and other platforms. They work for tech firms, media outlets, and marketing agencies. They need strong writing and storytelling skills.
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Social Media Manager
Average Salary: $55,842
Social media managers handle a company's online presence. They work for businesses like Heinz and local startups. They create content, engage with followers, and analyze performance metrics.
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Graphic Designer
Average Salary: $53,109
Graphic designers create visual content for various media. They work for advertising firms, publishing houses, and tech companies. They use software like Adobe Creative Suite to design logos, brochures, and websites.
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Photojournalist
Average Salary: $46,750
Photojournalists capture newsworthy events through photography. They work for newspapers, magazines, and news agencies. They need to be quick, accurate, and have a keen eye for detail.
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Photographer Assistant
Average Salary: $45,000
Photographer assistants help set up shoots and manage equipment. They work with professional photographers and studios. They need to be organized, reliable, and able to follow instructions closely.
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Art Director
Average Salary: $43,056
Art directors oversee the visual aspects of a project. They work for advertising agencies, design firms, and media companies. They collaborate with designers, writers, and other creatives to bring a vision to life.
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Studio Owner
Average Salary: $42,380
Studio owners manage a photography or videography studio. They handle bookings, client relations, and business operations. They need strong business skills and a passion for visual arts.
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