Photographers

SOC code 27-4021 · O*NET-SOC 27-4021.00 · Medium preparation needed

Photographers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$44,660

a year

Hourly

$21.47

per hour

10th$30,820Median$44,66090th$91,810

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$55,410

$26.64 per hour

Middle 50%

$36,050 – $62,740

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$30,820 – $91,810

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

51,760

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $30,820; $14.82/hr
25th percentile: $36,050; $17.33/hr
Median percentile: $44,660; $21.47/hr
75th percentile: $62,740; $30.16/hr
90th percentile: $91,810; $44.14/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+2%

Growing about as fast as average

151,200

jobs in 2024

154,000

projected for 2034

About 2,800 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What does a photographer do?

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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Adjust apertures, shutter speeds, and camera focus according to a combination of factors, such as lighting, field depth, subject motion, film type, and film speed.
Create artificial light, using flashes and reflectors.
Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects.
Transfer photographs to computers for editing, archiving, and electronic transmission.
Use traditional or digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment, such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments.
Manipulate and enhance scanned or digital images to create desired effects, using computers and specialized software.
Take pictures of individuals, families, and small groups, either in studio or on location.
Enhance, retouch, and resize photographs and negatives, using airbrushing and other techniques.

How to become a photographer

Most people in this role hold some college courses — 27% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Some College Courses27%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)18%
Post-Secondary Certificate14%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree14%

Common questions

How much does a photographer earn?

The national median is $44,660 a year. The full range runs from $30,820 at the 10th percentile to $91,810 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a photographer without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Is photographer in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 2% between 2024 and 2034 — growing about as fast as average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening3.8/5
Speaking3.8/5
Reading Comprehension3.1/5
Critical Thinking3.1/5
Active Learning3.1/5
Monitoring3.1/5

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service4.7/5
Sales and Marketing4.5/5
Computers and Electronics4.2/5
Administration and Management3.9/5
English Language3.7/5
Communications and Media3.7/5
Fine Arts3.5/5
Production and Processing3.5/5

Transferable strengths: Service Orientation, Social Perceptiveness, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making.