Professional Photographer Salary in the United States

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How much does a Professional Photographer make?

As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Professional Photographer in the United States is $92,925. According to Salary.com, salaries can range from a low of $77,682 to a high of $141,876, with most professionals earning between $84,946 and $118,548.

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Salary range for a Professional Photographer
$84,946 to $118,548
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Professional Photographer Salary in Major Cities

This chart shows the salary comparison for Professional Photographer between major cities. San Francisco City consistently ranks #1 as of April 01, 2025. Click on the chart to see the detail salary data for Professional Photographer in each city.

Professional Photographer Salary by City

Click to see the salary for Professional Photographer in these major U.S. cities.
City Name Average Salary
San Francisco, CA $116,054
Washington, DC $102,887
Miami, FL $89,283
Chicago, IL $96,029
Boston, MA $103,640
New York, NY $107,691
Dallas, TX $91,764
If you'd like know Professional Photographer Salary in other cities, then please select a city in

Average Salary Range for Professional Photographer

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
84946
118548
92925

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
86806
124925
96187
What is the average salary for Professional Photographer in 2025?
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Professional Photographer in the United States. The base salary for Professional Photographer ranges from $84,946 to $118,548 with the average base salary of $92,925. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $86,806 to $124,925 with the average total cash compensation of $96,187.

View Average Salary for Professional Photographer as table

Average Salary Average Salary Range
Base Salary $92,925 $84,946 - $118,548
Bonus $3,262 $1,860 - $6,377
Total Pay $96,187 $86,806 - $124,925
* Base Salary represents gross income before taxes and deductions. It does not include additional pay such as benefits, bonuses, profit sharing or commissions.
* Total Pay combines base salary, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job.

Estimate Salary for Professional Photographer online for free

Salary.com Estimate Salary Tool provides free, accurate and real-time salary for thousands of careers. Please enter the following pay factors for Professional Photographer, to get a real-time salary target. If you want to get more detailed salary information, please view Professional Salary Report
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84946
118548

 

Comments about Professional Photographer

What's the difference between Photographer and Professional Photographer?
According to our latest salary estimation on April 01, 2025. The average salary of Professional Photographer is $92,925, and the average salary of Photographer is $74,986. The average salary of Photographer is lower than Professional Photographer. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
I am a Professional Photographer, which location’s salary is higher, Riverside, CA or Bossier City, LA?
Riverside, CA typically sees higher pay than Bossier City, LA for Professional Photographer. a Professional Photographer Salary in Riverside, CA is $98,046 as of April 01, 2025; a Professional Photographer Salary in Bossier City, LA is $85,250 as of April 01, 2025. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )

Professional Photographer Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the salary of a Professional Photographer vary from city to city?
The cost of living is tied to salaries. If the expenses are higher in a particular city, then the wage level will be higher as well to afford the people can opportunity to live there. This is why you're always going to make more money in New York City for example, than in a small town. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
What are the Pay Factors for Professional Photographer?
Salary ranges for a Professional Photographer can vary widely, depending on the city and several other pay factors, including (but not limited to) education level, certifications, additional skills, and work experience. Click here to view Eight Factors That Can Affect Your Pay ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
How the Pay Factors Influence Your Pay?
Salaries are ultimately dictated by the position being applied to, and hiring company, but there are several important pay factors that come into play based on your individual history that could impact your value to the company. Salary.com's Personal Salary Report will analyze these factors for you to help you maximize your earning potential. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )

Learn more about: Compensation Packages, Employee Flight Risk, Gender Pay Gap, Job Openings for This Role

Jobs with a similar salary range to Professional Photographer : Photography Producer, Regulatory Toxicologist

Last Update: April 01, 2025