As of July 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Photographer II in the United States is $34, which translates to an annual salary of about $70,867.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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A Photographer II's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Photographer II's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Photographer I | 0-2 years | $59,140 |
| Photographer II | 2-4 years | $70,867 |
| Photographer III | 4-7 years | $87,149 |
| Photography Studio Manager | 7+ years | $108,028 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Photographer IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 11.94% |
| Early Childhood Education | 1.15% |
| Videography | 0.5% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Storytelling
|
$75,119 |
6%
|
|
Advertising
|
$74,410 |
5%
|
|
Microsoft Office
|
$74,410 |
5%
|
|
Initiative
|
$74,410 |
5%
|
|
Photoshop
|
$74,410 |
5%
|
|
Adobe Creative Suite
|
$74,410 |
5%
|
Photographer II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $79,264. While startup companies pay approximate $67,034.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $67,034 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $70,899 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $76,545 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $79,264 |
For Photographer II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Construction and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Photographer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Photographer II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | $85,040 | $41.0 | 20% |
| Insurance | $81,497 | $39.0 | 15% |
| Media | $79,371 | $38.0 | 12% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $77,954 | $37.0 | 10% |
| Retail & Wholesale | $75,828 | $36.0 | 7% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Photographer IIs enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Photographer II with a No Diploma is between $67,710 and $72,865).
Photographer II Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.6% |
| High School | 17.5% |
| Associates | 16.8% |
| Bachelors | 57.6% |
| Masters | 5.9% |
| Doctorate | 0.7% |
Understanding how a Photographer II'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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Photographer II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $65,451 in 2023 to around $65,264 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Photographer II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $65,451 |
| 2024 | $65,676 |
| 2025 | $65,264 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Construction industry offers the highest average compensation for Photographer II roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Uses photographic and video equipment to capture a subject, place, or event. Understands and adheres to photography/videography guidelines and standards. Has thorough knowledge and experience with concepts like composition, lighting, and balance. Helps sift through content to identify valuable photos or videos. May stage subjects or areas for capture and may work directly with clients. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience.
Specify the abilities and skills that a person needs in order to carry out the specified job duties. Each competency has five to ten behavioral assertions that can be observed, each with a corresponding performance level (from one to five) that is required for a particular job.
Customer Service: 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.
Early Childhood Education: Early childhood education, also known as nursery education, is a branch of education theory that relates to the teaching of children from birth up to the age of eight.
Videography: Videography is the process of capturing moving images on electronic media and even streaming media.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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