Median is misleading — top commercial photographers earn many multiples.
Pay scales steeply with tenure for Photographers. National figures, before regional adjustments.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | $35,200 | $23,500 | $52,900 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $43,800 | $29,200 | $65,700 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $50,400 | $33,600 | $75,600 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $60,400 | $40,300 | $90,700 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $68,500 | $45,600 | $102,800 |
Top 10 states by median Photographer salary in 2026.
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $73,100 | $55,600 | $95,100 | +45% |
| California | $70,600 | $53,700 | $91,800 | +40% |
| Washington DC | $70,600 | $53,700 | $91,800 | +40% |
| Massachusetts | $65,600 | $49,800 | $85,200 | +30% |
| Washington | $65,600 | $49,800 | $85,200 | +30% |
| New Jersey | $63,500 | $48,300 | $82,600 | +26% |
| Connecticut | $61,000 | $46,400 | $79,300 | +21% |
| Maryland | $60,500 | $46,000 | $78,700 | +20% |
| Colorado | $59,000 | $44,800 | $76,700 | +17% |
| Hawaii | $57,500 | $43,700 | $74,700 | +14% |
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $42,900 | $32,600 | $55,700 | -15% |
| North Dakota | $42,400 | $32,200 | $55,100 | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $42,400 | $32,200 | $55,100 | -16% |
| Wyoming | $42,400 | $32,200 | $55,100 | -16% |
| Alabama | $41,900 | $31,800 | $54,400 | -17% |
| Louisiana | $41,900 | $31,800 | $54,400 | -17% |
| Arkansas | $40,300 | $30,700 | $52,400 | -20% |
| South Dakota | $40,300 | $30,700 | $52,400 | -20% |
| Mississippi | $39,300 | $29,900 | $51,100 | -22% |
| West Virginia | $39,300 | $29,900 | $51,100 | -22% |
Metro-level pay frequently outpaces state averages — major metros concentrate higher wages.
Click any state for detailed breakdown by experience level and percentile.
The median is just a benchmark. Your exact market value also depends on your state, experience, and education. Use the free calculator for a personalized number.
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