How much does a Photographer make?

The average salary for a Photographer is $42,124 per year in United States. Salaries estimates are based on 8572 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Photographer employees in United States.

The highest salary for a Photographer in United States is $55,683 per year.

The lowest salary for a Photographer in United States is $31,934 per year.

If you are thinking of becoming a Photographer or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of a Photographer.

Photographer wages vary greatly. Median wages are similar to that of other creative and entertainment professions such as modeling or floral design. The most successful photographer earn seven figures in a few days by selling their creations to patrons. The role allows for a high degree of creativity and personal expression. Photographer can increase their wages by teaching lessons to prospective artists, either as a freelancer or as an employee of a formal school.

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According to anonymous employees using Glassdoor, 60% of photographers are satisfied with their salary. If you want your photographer salary to qualify as good, improving your technical skills, spending a few years in the industry, and a potential $1,747.40 of additional pay per year may help.

The amount you'll make over time as a photographer depends on your skills, experience, and the type of photography you do. However, if you follow the typical career path of a photographer, you can generally expect between $24,893.46 and $71,471.82, with an average of around $40,378.01. Bonuses and tips are common in this industry, leading to total pay averaging around $42,125.41.

Do you want your photographer career to be more financially rewarding? There are things you can do to land high-paying jobs in the photography industry. You don't need a degree to start your career, but taking short courses or certifications in photography skills might be helpful. Make sure you know how all your camera settings work, and understand the technology behind photography. You should also ensure you know common software such as Photoshop, Lightroom, and Premier Pro. Create a great portfolio that showcases all your best work, ensuring it is tailored to the kind of jobs you want. Finally, work on soft skills such as communication and creativity.

Whether you're searching for your first photographer job or a higher salary in your current job, here's how to negotiate a high salary. First, work out what figure to ask for. This may be based on what other companies pay, what your colleagues earn, or simply represent a 10% increase on your current salary. You should then make a list of your arguments. This should include any certifications or courses you've taken, the equipment you've learned to use, and client testimonials. Make sure your portfolio is up to date, and take a look at the top photographer interview questions to make sure you're ready for any tricky questions.