How much does a Photographer make?
Photographers capture moments through their lenses, creating images that tell stories. The average yearly salary for a photographer is around $43,940. This salary can vary based on experience, location, and the type of photography one specializes in.
Photographers with more experience and those who specialize in high-demand areas like fashion or commercial photography often earn more. For instance, the top 10% of earners in this field make over $100,000 per year. The bottom 10% earn less than $25,000. Most photographers fall in the middle, earning between $35,795 and $68,182. This range shows that there are many opportunities for growth in this field.
What are the highest paying cities for a Photographer?

-
Fargo, ND
Average Salary: $115,086
In Fargo, capturing the essence of the community is a rewarding experience. With a strong local arts scene, photographers find ample opportunities. Companies like Fargo Photography Studio offer diverse projects.
Find Photographer jobs in Fargo, ND
-
Sioux Falls, SD
Average Salary: $91,363
Sioux Falls offers a vibrant environment for visual storytelling. The city's growing business sector provides many opportunities for commercial photography. Local firms like Sioux Falls Image Makers are always on the lookout for talent.
Find Photographer jobs in Sioux Falls, SD
-
Cedar Rapids, IA
Average Salary: $86,039
Cedar Rapids is a hub for creative expression. Photographers here enjoy a mix of commercial and artistic projects. Companies such as Cedar Rapids Visuals seek skilled professionals to capture their brand's story.
Find Photographer jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA
-
Washington, DC
Average Salary: $82,435
In Washington, DC, the political landscape offers unique photo opportunities. Photographers can capture events and landmarks. Firms like DC Photo Services provide diverse assignments.
Find Photographer jobs in Washington, DC
-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $73,185
San Francisco's diverse culture and stunning landscapes make it ideal for photographers. The tech industry offers many opportunities. Companies like SF Visuals hire talent to capture their innovative spirit.
Find Photographer jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Corpus Christi, TX
Average Salary: $70,557
Corpus Christi's coastal charm provides a picturesque backdrop for photography. The city's growing tourism industry offers many projects. Local businesses like Corpus Christi Shots seek creative professionals.
Find Photographer jobs in Corpus Christi, TX
-
Milwaukee, WI
Average Salary: $66,683
Milwaukee's rich history and vibrant community life offer endless photo opportunities. Photographers can find work in both commercial and artistic sectors. Companies like Milwaukee Lens hire skilled photographers.
Find Photographer jobs in Milwaukee, WI
-
South Bend, IN
Average Salary: $64,379
South Bend's blend of urban and natural beauty makes it a great place for photography. The city's growing tech scene offers many opportunities. Local firms like South Bend Imagery seek talented photographers.
Find Photographer jobs in South Bend, IN
-
Portland, OR
Average Salary: $62,663
Portland's unique style and natural surroundings provide a perfect setting for photography. The city's creative community offers many opportunities. Companies like Portland Visuals hire photographers to capture its essence.
Find Photographer jobs in Portland, OR
-
Syracuse, NY
Average Salary: $61,315
Syracuse's mix of urban and rural landscapes offers diverse photo opportunities. The city's growing tech and arts sectors provide many projects. Local firms like Syracuse Shots seek skilled photographers.
Find Photographer jobs in Syracuse, NY
What are the best companies a Photographer can work for?

-
Complete Weddings + Events
Average Salary: $135,608
Complete Weddings + Events offers exciting opportunities for photographers. They work with clients across the United States, providing a range of wedding and event photography services. Photographers here enjoy creative freedom and the chance to work on high-profile events.
-
VHT Studios
Average Salary: $106,152
VHT Studios is known for its innovative approach to photography. They operate in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Photographers here benefit from a collaborative environment and the chance to work on diverse projects.
-
Virtuance
Average Salary: $105,881
Virtuance provides photographers with opportunities to work on commercial projects. They serve clients in cities such as San Francisco, Seattle, and Austin. Photographers here enjoy a mix of creative and technical assignments, with a focus on quality and detail.
-
Engel & Völkers
Average Salary: $100,000
Engel & Völkers offers photographers the chance to work on real estate photography. They operate in cities like Miami, Los Angeles, and New York. Photographers here focus on capturing the best images to showcase properties, working closely with real estate agents.
-
Threshold 360
Average Salary: $95,000
Threshold 360 provides photographers with opportunities in commercial and editorial photography. They work in cities such as Denver, Phoenix, and San Diego. Photographers here enjoy a mix of assignments, from product shoots to event coverage.
-
CBS News and Stations
Average Salary: $92,795
CBS News and Stations offers photographers the chance to work in broadcast journalism. They operate in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Photographers here cover news events and produce high-quality images for news broadcasts.
-
NBCUniversal
Average Salary: $91,786
NBCUniversal provides photographers with opportunities in television and film production. They work in cities such as Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. Photographers here capture behind-the-scenes moments and produce images for various media platforms.
-
Fox Corporation
Average Salary: $73,313
Fox Corporation offers photographers the chance to work in television and digital media. They operate in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Photographers here cover news events, entertainment shows, and produce images for various media outlets.
-
Next Door Photos
Average Salary: $68,889
Next Door Photos provides photographers with opportunities in real estate and commercial photography. They work in cities such as San Francisco, Seattle, and Portland. Photographers here focus on capturing high-quality images to showcase properties and businesses.
-
Full Package Media
Average Salary: $66,923
Full Package Media offers photographers the chance to work in commercial and event photography. They operate in cities like Denver, Phoenix, and San Diego. Photographers here cover a variety of events, from corporate functions to weddings, producing professional images.
How to earn more as a Photographer?
A photographer can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. Building a strong portfolio showcases skills and attracts more clients. Networking with other professionals opens up new opportunities. Specializing in a niche can command higher rates. Investing in quality equipment enhances the quality of work. Marketing efforts through social media and a professional website can draw in more clients.
To enhance earnings, consider these factors. First, a well-curated portfolio highlights your best work and style. Second, attending industry events and joining professional groups can lead to valuable connections. Third, focusing on a specific area like weddings, portraits, or commercial work can set you apart. Fourth, using high-quality cameras and lenses improves image quality. Lastly, an active online presence helps reach potential clients. By focusing on these areas, a photographer can significantly increase their income.
Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a photographer:
- Build a strong portfolio.
- Network with other professionals.
- Specialize in a niche.
- Invest in quality equipment.
- Market through social media and a website.