Photographer Salaries
How much would you make as a photographer? The industry average has photographers ringing in at $34,010 a year. If you sit right in the middle of the pack, you'll be one of the median 50% of practicing photographers who average at $27,720. The lowest 25% are scraping by at $19,470, but if you truly excel in the field, then you might join the ranks of the top quartile, who bring in $41,280 a year.
Of course, those are averages, and we've already seen that photography is an incredibly diverse profession. The best-paying specialties for photographers were these:
Academy of Art University is the nation's largest private art and design university with nearly 16,000 students. Established in 1929, the university offers accredited AA, BFA, BA, MFA, MA, and M.Arch programs in 15 areas of art and design emphasis...
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The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online Division is the leader in online creative arts education. Offering 16 academic online degree programs, were here to help you get the education you need to launch or enhance your creative career...
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Read More GET FREE INFOCreativity. Imagination. Original ideas. The entertainment and creative industries thrive on fresh original stories, design, music and art. But no matter where your passion lies, one of the keys to a sustainable career in the future will be the ability to think creatively and have the skills to bring your ideas to life in a meaningful way...
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Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing |
$58,940 |
|
Scientific Research and Development Services |
53,540 |
|
Other Information Services |
53,430 |
|
Management of Companies and Enterprises |
49,230 |
|
Motion Picture and Video Industries |
48,560 |
Another way to break up the average is to take a look at where photographers made the most. Keep in mind, however, that costs of living also vary from place to place and it's not a good decision to choose the launching pad for your photography career based on numbers alone.
|
Washington DC |
$50,370 |
|
Minnesota |
50,050 |
|
California |
46,020 |
|
Illinois |
45,850 |
|
Virginia |
42,850 |
*Information comes from the U.S. Department of Labor site
If you are interested in Photography Salaries, you may also be interested in finding more information on Performing Arts Salaries, Drafting Salaries, Animation Salaries and Art Management Salaries. Feel free to browse these art school profiles and securely submit your information to request information.




