How much does a photographer make?
a year · about $21 an hour
A typical photographer in the United States makes $44,660 a year, about $21 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
At a studio or on location, a photographer uses a camera to photograph people, products, or another subject. Afterward, they edit the pictures on a computer—cropping and correcting color—and organize the files.
Did you know? Some U.S. photojournalists shoot digital video as well as still photos, so their work can include moving pictures too.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $30,820 and $91,810How do you become one?
In the U.S., a high school diploma is typical; photography classes can help, but college usually isn't required. Practice, learn editing, build a portfolio, and often assist a pro; commercial drone work requires FAA certification.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like building and doing and creating
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can differ with experience and credentials, location, industry or employer, and the kind of photography someone specializes in. Hours and busy seasons matter too: many photographers work part time or on changing schedules.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in New York ($60,050), lowest in Indiana ($35,960).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
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Kids' questions
In Japan, a artist averages $32,815. Photographer salary in Japan
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $30,820 | $44,660 | $91,810 | about 52,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $60,050 | about 4,000 |
| Massachusetts | $57,990 | about 830 |
| Oregon | $53,630 | about 510 |
| Utah | $52,140 | about 660 |
| Connecticut | $49,790 | about 630 |
Official definition: Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject’s appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists. Excludes “Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film” (27-4031).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/photographers.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY