Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Moderate-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Based on skills, knowledge, and work activities, these occupations are the closest match to your current career.
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
Discover metro markets where compensation, hiring demand, and long-term momentum align.
Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Photographers capture images for a wide range of purposes, combining technical ability with artistic judgment. Nationally, there are about 151,000 people working in this field, indicating a sizable profession with room for different career paths and work environments. The national median annual salary is $42,520, so earnings will matter for anyone considering this path and may vary by location. Projected employment growth of 1.8% suggests that jobs are expected to continue to be available over time. An estimated 13,000 annual openings point to ongoing demand from new positions and turnover. Succeeding in this career draws on creativity and innovation, strong customer service, and solid interpersonal and communication skills. Project management and comfort with computers and information technology also play an important role, alongside adaptability and fine-motor abilities. For students, early-career job seekers, and career changers who enjoy both the artistic and people sides of work, photography can offer a blend of creative expression and professional opportunity.
The national median annual salary for photographers is $42,520, but earnings differ across states and metro areas. Among the top states by opportunity score, New York stands out with a median salary of $60,050, followed by Massachusetts at $57,990. California, Colorado, and Washington offer median salaries between $47,070 and $48,050, all above the national median. At the metro level, New York-Newark-Jersey City matches the $60,050 median, while San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont offers $58,840 and Boston-Cambridge-Newton provides $55,020. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has a median of $54,530, and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara offers $52,470. These figures show that certain metros and states provide higher typical pay than the national median, which may appeal to photographers willing to align their location choices with earning potential. However, salary is one factor among many, including job availability and personal preferences.
Photography offers a measurable but moderate growth path. National employment stands at 151,000, and projected employment growth is 1.8%. This same 1.8% growth rate appears in several leading states and metro areas, suggesting a consistent growth expectation across many parts of the country. With an estimated 13,000 annual openings, there is a steady stream of opportunities, driven by new jobs as well as people leaving the occupation. For career planners, this combination of a sizable existing workforce and ongoing openings indicates that photography is an established field rather than a rapidly expanding or declining one. People considering this path can expect a labor market where opportunities continue to appear, but competition and local conditions will still matter. The presence of opportunities in multiple regions also gives some flexibility to those who might relocate in pursuit of specific roles or salary levels.
Location plays a significant role in the career landscape for photographers. Among states, California, Massachusetts, New York, Colorado, and Washington rank highly by opportunity score. New York and Massachusetts pair higher median salaries ($60,050 and $57,990) with smaller employment bases than California, which has 7,980 employed photographers and a median salary of $47,840. Colorado and Washington fall in a similar salary range—$47,070 and $48,050—with more moderate employment counts. At the metro level, opportunity scores highlight especially favorable combinations of pay and employment. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and New York-Newark-Jersey City have the highest opportunity scores, at 77.42 and 77.27, with median salaries above $52,000. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, and Boston-Cambridge-Newton also offer median salaries above $54,000. Together, these patterns suggest that photographers who prioritize both salary and broader opportunity may focus on select metros or states that align with their goals and lifestyle.
The typical education requirement for photographers is a high school diploma or equivalent, making this a field that is accessible without a multi-year degree. However, success in the occupation draws on a broad set of skills. Creativity and innovation are central, supporting the artistic side of the work. Customer service, interpersonal skills, and speaking and listening help photographers work effectively with clients and collaborators. Project management skills support planning and executing assignments from start to finish. Comfort with computers and information technology is also important, reflecting the technical aspects of the field. Adaptability and leadership can help photographers navigate changing situations and coordinate with others. Fine-motor and mechanical skills contribute to handling equipment and performing precise tasks. People interested in this career can focus their development on this combination of creative, technical, and people-oriented strengths alongside meeting the baseline education expectation.
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