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Photographer I Salary in the United States

How much does a Photographer I make in the United States?

As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Photographer I in the United States is $59,126 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.

However, a Photographer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $73,575
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $55,241 to $66,689
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $51,704
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View as table View as graph 25% $55,241 10% $51,704 90% $73,575 75% $66,689 $59,126 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Photographer I Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $66,689 $5,557 $1,282 $32
Average $59,126 $4,927 $1,137 $28
25th Percentile $55,241 $4,603 $1,062 $27
Check out Photographer I Job Openings in the United States
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Arhaus - Boston Heights, OH

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Serpentini Chevrolet - Medina, OH

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Key Factors That Influence Photographer I Salaries

A Photographer I'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Photographer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Photographer I'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:

  • Photographer I (0-2 years): $59,126
  • Photographer II (2-4 years): $70,855
  • Photographer III (4-7 years): $87,154
  • Photography Studio Manager (7+ years): $108,011
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Photographer I0-2 years$59,126
Photographer II2-4 years$70,855
Photographer III4-7 years$87,154
Photography Studio Manager7+ years$108,011
$59,126 Photograp...
$70,855 Photograp...
$87,154 Photograp...
$108,011 Photograp...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Photographer Is

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: $74,576
  • San Francisco: $73,759
  • Oakland: $72,205

What Skills Can Increase a Photographer I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 12.06% 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.
  • Early Childhood Education (Mentioned in 1.17% Job Postings): 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 (Mentioned in 0.49% Job Postings): Videography is the process of capturing moving images on electronic media and even streaming media.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 12.06%
Early Childhood Education 1.17%
Videography 0.49%
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 Photographer I's salary.
  • Safety Procedures: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
  • Integrity: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Adobe Creative Suite: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Safety Procedures
$67,995
15%
Integrity
$63,856
8%
Adobe Creative Suite
$63,856
8%
Written Communication
$63,265
7%
Collaboration
$63,265
7%
Advertising
$63,265
7%
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Photographer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Photographer I'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 May 01, 2026

Photographer I Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Photographer I, 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.

Photographer I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Art Designer II $69,542 18%
Videographer $74,293 26%
Photographer II $70,855 20%

Salary Trends for Photographer I

Salaries for a Photographer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $55,350 in 2023 to around $55,260 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Photographer I salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Photographer I Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$55,350
2024
$55,613
2025
$55,260
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $55,350
2024 $55,613
2025 $55,260
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Photographer I

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Photographer I

Here are companies hiring for Photographer I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Photographer I

1. Where can a Photographer I earn the most?

A Photographer I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Photographer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Photographer I is $74,576.

2. What is the highest pay for Photographer I?

The highest pay for Photographer I is $73,575.

3. What is the lowest pay for Photographer I?

The lowest pay for Photographer I is $51,704.

4. What are the responsibilities of Photographer I?

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. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.

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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