Photographer Salary in 2026
The median annual salary for a Photographer is $42,520 per year. Job growth is projected at 1.8% over the next decade.
How Much Do Photographers Make?
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $42,520 |
| 10-Year Job Growth | 1.8% |
| Total Employment | 51,230 |
| Typical Education | High school diploma or equivalent |
| SOC Code | 27-4021 |
Which Skills Increase Photographer Pay?
Photographers with these high-demand tools and technologies typically command higher salaries.
Adobe PhotoshopAdobe Photoshop LightroomAdobe AcrobatAdobe After EffectsAdobe Creative Cloud softwareAdobe IllustratorAdobe InDesignApple macOSFacebookIntuit QuickBooks
Full skills breakdown →
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the average salary for a Photographer?
- The median annual salary for a Photographer is $42,520 per year, based on the most recent national wage survey data.
- Is Photographer a growing career?
- Employment for Photographer roles is projected to grow 1.8% over the 2024–2034 decade. Total employment is currently 51,230 workers nationally.
- What skills increase Photographer pay?
- Photographers who demonstrate skills like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe After Effects typically command higher salaries. Certifications and advanced tools expertise can further boost compensation.
Salary and employment figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES May 2024) and Employment Projections 2024–2034. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.