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Photo/Video Specialist III Salary in the United States

How much does a Photo/Video Specialist III make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Photo/Video Specialist III in the United States is $87,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.

However, a Photo/Video Specialist III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $102,675
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $80,700 to $95,300
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $74,782

Key Factors That Influence Photo/Video Specialist III Salaries

A Photo/Video Specialist III's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Photo/Video Specialist III Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Photo/Video Specialist IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $96,500.
  • California: $96,200.
  • Massachusetts: $94,900.

Top Paying Cities for Photo/Video Specialist IIIs

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $110,000
  • San Francisco: $108,800
  • Oakland: $106,500

What Skills Can Increase a Photo/Video Specialist III's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 10.27% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Photoshop (Mentioned in 0.89% Job Postings): Photoshop is an image creation, graphic design and photo editing software developed by Adobe. It is used to demonstrate knowledge of image resolution, image size, and image file format for web, video, and print.
  • Videography (Mentioned in 0.28% Job Postings): Videography is the process of capturing moving images on electronic media and even streaming media.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 10.27%
Photoshop 0.89%
Videography 0.28%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Photo/Video Specialist III's salary.

  • Work Under Pressure: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Presentation: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Initiative: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Work Under Pressure $94,176
8%
Presentation $94,176
8%
Initiative $91,560
5%

Photo/Video Specialist III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Photo/Video Specialist III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $97,350. While startup companies pay approximate $82,430.

Photo/Video Specialist III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $82,430
Growth Stage 51~500 $87,160
Established 501~5000 $93,999
Enterprise 5000+ $97,350

Photo/Video Specialist III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Photo/Video Specialist III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 105% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 60% above the average. In contrast, Photo/Video Specialist positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Photo/Video Specialist III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Photo/Video Specialist III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$139,520$67.060%
Biotechnology$130,800$63.050%
Internet$122,080$59.040%
Energy & Utilities$113,360$54.030%
Pharmaceuticals$109,000$52.025%

Photo/Video Specialist III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Photo/Video Specialist III's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$80,700
Average $87,200/year
$95,300
$6,725
Average $7,267/month
$7,942
$1,552
Average $1,677/week
$1,833
$39
Average $42/hour
$46
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $95,300 $7,942 $1,833 $46
Average $87,200 $7,267 $1,677 $42
25th Percentile $80,700 $6,725 $1,552 $39

Photo/Video Specialist III Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Photo/Video Specialist III, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Photo/Video Specialist III Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Art and Design Manager $111,200 28%
Photo Studio Manager $108,100 24%

Most common benefits for Photo/Video Specialist III

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Photo/Video Specialist III

Here are companies hiring for Photo/Video Specialist III and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Photo/Video Specialist III

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Photo/Video Specialist III?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Photo/Video Specialist III roles, with salaries approximately 60% above the market median.

2. How much does a professional video editor earn in USA?

A professional Photo/Video Specialist in the USA earns between $83,900 and $115,700 annually, with a median salary of approximately $90,600. These figures reflect the salary range based on industry data, providing a clearer picture of potential earnings in this field.

3. Is video editing a good career in USA?

Video editing is a promising career in the USA, with a growing demand for skilled professionals. The salary range for a Photo/Video Specialist is between $83,900 and $115,700, with a median salary of $90,600. This competitive pay reflects the increasing importance of video content across various industries, making it a viable career choice.

4. How much does a video specialist make?

A Photo/Video Specialist typically earns between $83,900 and $115,700 annually, with a median salary of $90,600. While some cities may offer lower salaries, the overall compensation for this role reflects the demand for skilled professionals in the industry.

5. How much do Netflix cinematographers make?

The salary for a Photo/Video Specialist ranges from $83,900 to $115,700, with a median salary of $90,600. While Netflix cinematographers may earn an average of $137,000 per year, this figure is higher than the typical range for Photo/Video Specialists.

6. What is the hourly rate for a professional video editor?

The hourly rate for a professional video editor can vary significantly based on experience and the complexity of the work. For a Photo/Video Specialist, the salary data suggests an annual range of $83,900 to $115,700. This translates to an hourly rate of approximately $40.31 to $55.66, assuming a standard 40-hour workweek.

7. How much do digital media specialists make in the US?

As of now, the salary for a Photo/Video Specialist in the United States ranges from $83,900 to $115,700 annually, with a median salary of $90,600. This reflects the competitive nature of the field and the demand for skilled professionals in digital media.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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