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Salary

How much does a Photographer make?

The average salary for a Photographer is $48,871 per year in the US.

Photographers capture moments through their lenses, creating images that can tell powerful stories. This job comes with a range of earning potentials. On average, a photographer can expect to make about $48,871 each year. This average varies based on experience and specific area of photography.

Let's break down the salary ranges for photographers. The lowest-earning 10% make around $26,000 a year. As experience and expertise grow, so do earnings. The highest-earning 10% of photographers make around $170,000 annually. Different styles of photography, such as wedding, portrait, or commercial, can also affect salary levels. Those specializing in high-demand areas often earn more.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Photographer?

Photographers can find lucrative opportunities in several cities across the United States. Fargo, North Dakota, leads the way with an average salary of over $120,000. Other cities like Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota, also offer high earnings for photographers. These top cities provide promising prospects for those in the field. Washington, DC, offers a competitive salary for photographers, appealing to those who enjoy vibrant urban environments. San Francisco, California, and Boulder, Colorado, further illustrate how diverse geographic locations can lead to higher compensation.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Photographer jobs, highlighting Fargo, ND with the highest at $120,551 and Savannah, GA with the lowest at $71,749.
  1. Fargo, ND
    Average Salary: $120,551
    In Fargo, ND, you can capture the beauty of the Red River Valley. Opportunities exist with local businesses and event planners. The city's vibrant arts scene also offers creative outlets.
    Find Photographer jobs in Fargo, ND


  2. Cedar Rapids, IA
    Average Salary: $108,614
    Cedar Rapids, IA, provides a dynamic environment for visual storytelling. Local companies often seek photographers for advertising and marketing. The city's rich history and culture add depth to your work.
    Find Photographer jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA


  3. Sioux Falls, SD
    Average Salary: $104,269
    Sioux Falls, SD, is known for its scenic landscapes and bustling urban life. Photographers here work with various businesses and event organizers. The city's festivals offer unique photo opportunities.
    Find Photographer jobs in Sioux Falls, SD


  4. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $83,507
    Washington, DC, offers a wealth of iconic landmarks and political events. Photographers here can work for government agencies, news organizations, or private firms. The city's vibrant culture inspires diverse projects.
    Find Photographer jobs in Washington, DC


  5. Peoria, IL
    Average Salary: $75,345
    Peoria, IL, combines small-town charm with urban opportunities. Photographers find work with local businesses, schools, and community events. The city's history and natural beauty provide interesting subjects.
    Find Photographer jobs in Peoria, IL


  6. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $74,529
    San Francisco, CA, offers a vibrant and diverse market for photographers. Opportunities range from fashion shoots to tech company events. The city's iconic landmarks and scenic views make it a photographer's paradise.
    Find Photographer jobs in San Francisco, CA


  7. Corpus Christi, TX
    Average Salary: $74,323
    Corpus Christi, TX, provides a mix of coastal and urban settings. Photographers work with local businesses, tourism agencies, and events. The city's natural beauty and waterfront locations offer unique photo opportunities.
    Find Photographer jobs in Corpus Christi, TX


  8. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $73,842
    Boulder, CO, offers stunning mountain views and a vibrant community. Photographers can work with local businesses, event planners, and outdoor brands. The city's active lifestyle provides diverse subjects.
    Find Photographer jobs in Boulder, CO


  9. South Bend, IN
    Average Salary: $72,714
    South Bend, IN, offers a mix of industrial and natural beauty. Photographers find work with local businesses, educational institutions, and community events. The city's cultural heritage provides rich storytelling opportunities.
    Find Photographer jobs in South Bend, IN


  10. Savannah, GA
    Average Salary: $71,749
    Savannah, GA, is famous for its historic architecture and Southern charm. Photographers can work with tourism agencies, events, and local businesses. The city's parks and historic districts offer picturesque settings.
    Find Photographer jobs in Savannah, GA

What are the best companies a Photographer can work for?

Photographers can find excellent opportunities in top companies. Complete Weddings + Events and Virtuance lead with higher salaries, offering around $138,346 and $101,469 respectively. NBCUniversal and CBS News and Stations also provide competitive pay, making them strong choices for job seekers. Other notable firms include Threshold 360, VHT Studios, and Fox Corporation. These companies offer attractive compensation packages, ensuring a rewarding experience for photographers. Job seekers can explore these options for a financially rewarding career.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Photographer jobs, highlighting Complete Weddings + Events with the highest at $138,346 and Full Package Media with the lowest at $64,167.
  1. Complete Weddings + Events
    Average Salary: $138,346
    Complete Weddings + Events offers exciting opportunities for photographers. This company specializes in event photography, focusing on weddings and special events. They operate throughout the United States, giving photographers a chance to work in many different locations. Their photographers enjoy creative freedom and the chance to capture important moments.


  2. Virtuance
    Average Salary: $101,469
    Virtuance seeks skilled photographers for a variety of projects. They focus on corporate photography and event coverage. The company operates nationwide, with offices in major cities. Photographers here work with the latest technology and have the chance to collaborate with top brands.


  3. Engel & Völkers
    Average Salary: $98,649
    Engel & Völkers provides photographers with a chance to specialize in real estate photography. They operate in luxury markets around the world. Photographers here get to work with high-end properties and help clients showcase their homes. The work is detailed and allows for creative expression.


  4. NBCUniversal
    Average Salary: $97,036
    NBCUniversal offers diverse photography roles for photographers. They cover news events, entertainment shows, and corporate functions. Based in major cities, this company provides photographers with a dynamic work environment. They work with top talent and cover a wide range of subjects.


  5. Threshold 360
    Average Salary: $95,000
    Threshold 360 focuses on event photography and branding. They offer photographers a chance to work on high-profile events. Based in urban centers, they provide a fast-paced environment. Photographers here get to capture moments that make a big impact.


  6. CBS News and Stations
    Average Salary: $91,078
    CBS News and Stations provides photographers with a chance to cover breaking news and special events. They operate in major cities across the country. This company offers photographers the opportunity to tell important stories through their lens. They value creativity and quick thinking.


  7. VHT Studios
    Average Salary: $88,344
    VHT Studios offers a variety of photography roles, from event coverage to commercial shoots. They work with clients in the entertainment and corporate sectors. Based in key media hubs, they provide photographers with a diverse range of projects. The work here is exciting and varied.


  8. Fox Corporation
    Average Salary: $78,136
    Fox Corporation provides photographers with opportunities in news and entertainment. They offer a mix of assignments from live events to studio shoots. Based in major media markets, this company gives photographers a dynamic and fast-paced work environment. They focus on delivering high-quality images.


  9. DanceBUG
    Average Salary: $68,750
    DanceBUG offers photographers a chance to capture the energy of dance competitions and events. They operate in major cities and provide a fun work environment. Photographers here get to work with dancers and capture their passion. The job is creative and full of excitement.


  10. Full Package Media
    Average Salary: $64,167
    Full Package Media seeks photographers for event coverage and promotional work. They provide photographers with a chance to work on a variety of projects. Based in urban areas, they offer a collaborative work environment. Photographers here get to tell stories through their images and help clients succeed.

How to earn more as a Photographer?

A photographer can boost their earnings by honing skills and expanding services. The right strategies lead to higher pay and more job opportunities. Focus on these key areas to improve income and satisfaction in the field.

First, specialize in a niche. Areas such as weddings, portraits, or commercial work can command higher fees. Experts in these fields often have repeat clients and referrals, leading to steady income. Second, invest in quality equipment. Higher-end cameras and lenses can produce better images, attracting more clients. Third, market yourself effectively. Use social media and a professional website to showcase your work. Networking with other professionals can also lead to new jobs. Fourth, attend workshops and courses. Continuous learning helps stay current with trends and techniques, making work more appealing. Finally, set competitive prices. Research the market to price services fairly, ensuring both quality and profitability.

To increase earnings, photographers should consider these strategies:

  • Specialize in a niche
  • Invest in quality equipment
  • Market yourself effectively
  • Attend workshops and courses
  • Set competitive prices

Currently 838 Photographer job openings, nationwide.

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

Learn what a Photographer does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Photographer today.
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Photographer
838 Job Openings