How much does a Photographer make?
A photographer's salary can vary widely based on experience and location. On average, photographers earn about $46,079 per year. This figure can change depending on the type of photography they specialize in and the industry they work for.
Here are some common salary ranges for photographers:
- Entry-level photographers: $26,000 to $37,273
- Mid-career photographers: $48,545 to $59,818
- Experienced photographers: $71,091 to $82,364
- Senior photographers: $93,636 to $104,909
- Top-level photographers: $116,182 to $150,000
What are the highest paying cities for a Photographer?
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Fargo, ND
Average Salary: $117,735
In Fargo, ND, professionals capture the beauty of the Red River Valley. Opportunities exist with local businesses and event planners. The city's growing arts scene offers a vibrant environment for creatives.
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Cedar Rapids, IA
Average Salary: $103,432
Cedar Rapids, IA, provides a mix of corporate and freelance work. Companies like Rockwell Collins offer diverse photography projects. The city's festivals and events create a steady demand for skilled photographers.
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Sioux Falls, SD
Average Salary: $94,694
Sioux Falls, SD, offers a blend of urban and natural landscapes. Photographers work with local businesses and tourism agencies. The city's festivals and events provide ample opportunities for capturing memorable moments.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $84,034
In Washington, DC, photographers capture the essence of the nation's capital. Opportunities abound with government agencies and media outlets. The city's rich history and events offer a dynamic backdrop for creative work.
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Boulder, CO
Average Salary: $77,100
Boulder, CO, offers stunning natural scenery and a vibrant community. Photographers work with local businesses and outdoor brands. The city's festivals and outdoor activities provide diverse subjects for photography.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $74,180
San Francisco, CA, presents a bustling environment with endless photo opportunities. Photographers work with tech companies and media firms. The city's iconic landmarks and diverse culture offer rich subjects for creative work.
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Corpus Christi, TX
Average Salary: $71,251
Corpus Christi, TX, offers a mix of coastal and urban settings. Photographers work with local businesses and tourism agencies. The city's beaches and events provide a variety of subjects for capturing stunning images.
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South Bend, IN
Average Salary: $71,080
South Bend, IN, provides a mix of industrial and natural beauty. Photographers work with local businesses and universities. The city's festivals and events offer diverse opportunities for creative work.
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Milwaukee, WI
Average Salary: $67,237
Milwaukee, WI, offers a vibrant arts scene and industrial landscapes. Photographers work with local businesses and media outlets. The city's festivals and events provide a rich backdrop for creative projects.
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Syracuse, NY
Average Salary: $65,305
Syracuse, NY, offers a blend of urban and natural beauty. Photographers work with local businesses and universities. The city's festivals and events provide diverse opportunities for capturing memorable moments.
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What are the best companies a Photographer can work for?
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Complete Weddings + Events
Average Salary: $138,796
Complete Weddings + Events offers exciting opportunities for photographers. They work with clients across various locations, including the United States and Canada. Photographers here capture beautiful moments at weddings and events, often traveling to different venues.
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Virtuance
Average Salary: $105,881
Virtuance provides a dynamic environment for photographers. They serve clients in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Photographers at Virtuance work on diverse projects, from corporate events to product shoots, showcasing their versatility.
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Engel & Völkers
Average Salary: $98,780
Engel & Völkers is a leading real estate company that employs photographers. They operate in cities such as Miami, San Francisco, and Berlin. Photographers here focus on capturing stunning real estate images, highlighting properties to attract potential buyers.
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Threshold 360
Average Salary: $95,000
Threshold 360 offers rewarding positions for photographers. They work in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. Photographers here create immersive content for marketing and advertising, blending creativity with technical skills.
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CBS News and Stations
Average Salary: $94,200
CBS News and Stations provide photographers with opportunities to cover news events. They operate in major cities across the United States. Photographers here capture impactful images for news broadcasts, ensuring the public stays informed.
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NBCUniversal
Average Salary: $93,943
NBCUniversal offers diverse roles for photographers. They work in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Photographers here create visual content for TV shows, movies, and digital platforms, contributing to the entertainment industry.
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VHT Studios
Average Salary: $91,409
VHT Studios provides photographers with creative opportunities. They operate in cities like Los Angeles and New York. Photographers here work on various projects, from music videos to commercial shoots, showcasing their artistic talents.
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DanceBUG
Average Salary: $73,798
DanceBUG offers photographers a chance to capture the energy of dance events. They work in major cities like New York and Los Angeles. Photographers here focus on event photography, capturing the excitement and passion of dance performances.
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Fox Corporation
Average Salary: $70,376
Fox Corporation provides photographers with opportunities to cover news and entertainment. They operate in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Photographers here work on various projects, from news events to TV show shoots, contributing to the media landscape.
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Next Door Photos
Average Salary: $68,710
Next Door Photos offers photographers a chance to work on residential projects. They operate in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. Photographers here focus on capturing beautiful moments in people's homes, creating lasting memories for families.
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 high-quality equipment improves the quality of work. Marketing efforts, such as a professional website and social media presence, help reach a wider audience.
To maximize earnings, photographers should consider these factors. First, a well-curated portfolio highlights the best work and demonstrates expertise. Second, networking with peers and potential clients can lead to referrals and collaborations. Third, specializing in areas like weddings, portraits, or commercial photography can set a photographer apart. Fourth, using top-of-the-line cameras and lenses ensures high-quality images. Lastly, effective marketing through online platforms and professional associations can increase visibility and attract more clients.
By focusing on these areas, photographers can enhance their skills and increase their earning potential. A strong portfolio, active networking, specialized skills, quality equipment, and effective marketing all play crucial roles in achieving higher income.
