As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Photo Archivist in the United States is $39,892 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Photo Archivist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Photo Archivist'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 Photo Archivist'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Photo Archivist | $40,368 |
| Intermediate Level Photo Archivist | $40,606 |
| Senior Level Photo Archivist | $41,115 |
| Specialist Level Photo Archivist | $41,455 |
| Expert Level Photo Archivist | $41,540 |
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 Photo Archivists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 4.16% |
| Hydraulics | 2.68% |
| 5S | 1.65% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Continuous Improvement
|
$44,679 |
12%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$44,280 |
11%
|
|
Initiative
|
$44,280 |
11%
|
|
Commitment
|
$43,482 |
9%
|
|
Creativity
|
$42,684 |
7%
|
|
Customer Service
|
$42,684 |
7%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Photo Archivists 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 Photo Archivist with a No Diploma is between $35,296 and $38,820).
Photo Archivist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 7.7% |
| High School | 84.6% |
| Associates | 7.7% |
| Bachelors | 0.0% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Photo Archivist'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Photo Archivist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $43,393 in 2023 to around $41,106 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Photo Archivist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $43,393 |
| 2024 | $42,518 |
| 2025 | $41,106 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Photo Archivist and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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