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Photographer II Salary in the United States

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

As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Photographer II in the United States is $70,855 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $84,805
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $61,240 to $78,157
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $52,486
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View as table View as graph 25% $61,240 10% $52,486 90% $84,805 75% $78,157 $70,855 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Photographer II Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $78,157 $6,513 $1,503 $38
Average $70,855 $5,905 $1,363 $34
25th Percentile $61,240 $5,103 $1,178 $29
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Key Factors That Influence Photographer II Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Photographer Salaries?

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:

  • 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 IIs

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: $89,369
  • San Francisco: $88,391
  • Oakland: $86,528

What Skills Can Increase a Photographer II's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 11.94% 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 1.15% 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 0.5% 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 11.94%
Early Childhood Education 1.15%
Videography 0.5%
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 II's salary.
  • Storytelling: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Advertising: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Microsoft Office: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Storytelling
$75,106
6%
Advertising
$74,398
5%
Microsoft Office
$74,398
5%
Initiative
$74,398
5%
Photoshop
$74,398
5%
Adobe Creative Suite
$74,398
5%
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How Education impacts a Photographer II's Salary?

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

Typical Education for Photographer II
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%
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Photographer II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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 May 01, 2026

Photographer II Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Photographer II, 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 II Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Art Manager $111,075 57%
Photographer III $87,154 23%

Salary Trends for Photographer II

Salaries 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, .

Average Annual Salary of Photographer II Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$65,451
2024
$65,676
2025
$65,264
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $65,451
2024 $65,676
2025 $65,264
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Photographer II

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

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FAQ about Photographer II

1. Where can a Photographer II earn the most?

A Photographer II'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 II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Photographer II is $89,369.

2. What is the highest pay for Photographer II?

The highest pay for Photographer II is $84,805.

3. What is the lowest pay for Photographer II?

The lowest pay for Photographer II is $52,486.

4. What are the responsibilities of Photographer II?

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.

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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