As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Photo Retoucher in the United States is $67,896 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, a Photo Retoucher's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Photo Retoucher'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Photo Retoucher'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 Retoucher | $65,482 |
| Intermediate Level Photo Retoucher | $65,667 |
| Senior Level Photo Retoucher | $67,896 |
| Specialist Level Photo Retoucher | $70,047 |
| Expert Level Photo Retoucher | $70,201 |
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 Retouchers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Flexibility | 3.09% |
| Product Development | 2.44% |
| Google Analytics | 2.15% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Analysis
|
$74,686 |
10%
|
|
Content Management
|
$74,007 |
9%
|
|
Content Creation
|
$72,649 |
7%
|
|
HTML
|
$71,291 |
5%
|
|
Communicates Effectively
|
$71,291 |
5%
|
|
KPI
|
$71,291 |
5%
|
For Photo Retoucher roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Photo Retoucher positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Photo Retoucher as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $88,265 | $42.0 | 30% |
| Financial Services | $81,476 | $39.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $78,081 | $38.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $74,686 | $36.0 | 10% |
| Media | $74,686 | $36.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Photo Retoucher'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 Photo Retoucher can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $66,169 in 2023 to around $65,688 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Photo Retoucher salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $66,169 |
| 2024 | $65,971 |
| 2025 | $65,688 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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