Photographers' earnings vary widely depending on factors such as location, specialty, experience, and whether they work freelance or salaried positions.
- Average Salary in the U.S.: The national average salary for photographers is approximately $40,170 to $42,494 per year, with hourly wages around $20 to $21.63
. Entry-level photographers may earn less, with the lowest 10% making under $13 per hour
- High Earnings in Specialty Areas: Some specialized photographers, such as real estate photographers in certain regions like the Dallas-Fort Worth area, can make between $150,000 and $200,000 annually due to repeat clients and high demand
. High-fashion or corporate photographers in major cities can also earn $100,000 or more per year
- Geographic Variation: Salaries vary by state; for example, photographers in Oregon, Alaska, and North Dakota earn around $48,000 annually, while those in Florida or West Virginia earn closer to $29,000 to $30,000
- Freelance vs. Salaried: Freelance photographers may have higher rates but less consistent income, while salaried positions like photojournalists offer steadier but sometimes lower pay
- International Context: In the Netherlands, photographers earn about €30 per hour on average
, and in the UK, average annual earnings are around £24,350
Overall, photographers' income ranges broadly from under $30,000 to over $200,000 annually depending on niche, location, and experience. The field offers opportunities for increased earnings with specialization and building a strong client base
