Photographer Salary in Chicago, IL

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How much does a Photographer make in Chicago, IL?

As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Photographer in Chicago, IL is $77,490. According to Salary.com, salaries can range from a low of $59,708 to a high of $101,193, with most professionals earning between $68,182 and $89,897.

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Salary range for a Photographer
$68,182 to $89,897
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What is a Photographer?

A Photographer is responsible for capturing and creating visual images using various types of equipment, such as cameras and lighting. They work with clients to understand their needs and preferences, and then use their artistic and technical skills to produce high-quality photographs. Photographers may specialize in a particular area, such as portrait, wedding, fashion, or commercial photography, and may work in a studio or on location. They also edit and retouch images to enhance their quality and may be responsible for managing their own business, including marketing, client communication, and financial management. Overall, photographers play a crucial role in preserving memories, documenting events, and creating visual content for a wide range of purposes.

See user submitted job responsibilities for Photographer.

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Photographer Salary By Experience Levels in Chicago, IL

How much should you be earning in Photographer in Chicago, IL based on your current experience?
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RELEVANT JOB EXPERIENCE

Length of experience is a pay differentiator. Those with greater experience may have an advantage in negotiating salary. For those with less experience, other factors such as education or special skills could impact your pay. Please visit Professional Salary Report for more details.

Photographer Salary By Level of Education in Chicago, IL

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LEVEL OF EDUCATION

Depending on the job, educational levels may have a significant impact on pay levels. Be informed and understand how things like education and certifications can help to increase potential earnings for the career you are interested in. Please visit Professional Salary Report for more details.

Average Salary Range for Photographer in Chicago, IL

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
68182
89897
77490

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
68940
93130
79063
What is the average salary for Photographer in 2025?
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Photographer in Chicago, IL. The base salary for Photographer ranges from $68,182 to $89,897 with the average base salary of $77,490. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $68,940 to $93,130 with the average total cash compensation of $79,063.

View Average Salary for Photographer as table

Average Salary Average Salary Range
Base Salary $77,490 $68,182 - $89,897
Bonus $1,572 $758 - $3,233
Total Pay $79,063 $68,940 - $93,130
* Base Salary represents gross income before taxes and deductions. It does not include additional pay such as benefits, bonuses, profit sharing or commissions.
* Total Pay combines base salary, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job.

Photographer Salary Near Chicago, IL

CITY, STATE AVERAGE SALARY RANGE COMPARE TO Chicago, IL
CITY, STATE Cicero, IL AVERAGE SALARY RANGE $68,182 - $89,897 COMPARE TO Chicago, IL 0%
CITY, STATE Oak Park, IL AVERAGE SALARY RANGE $68,182 - $89,897 COMPARE TO Chicago, IL 0%
CITY, STATE Oak Lawn, IL AVERAGE SALARY RANGE $68,103 - $89,793 COMPARE TO Chicago, IL
CITY, STATE Evanston, IL AVERAGE SALARY RANGE $68,156 - $89,863 COMPARE TO Chicago, IL
CITY, STATE Skokie, IL AVERAGE SALARY RANGE $68,156 - $89,863 COMPARE TO Chicago, IL
CITY, STATE Arlington Heights, IL AVERAGE SALARY RANGE $66,757 - $88,018 COMPARE TO Chicago, IL
See salaries for Photographer in locations close to Chicago, IL. Pay for the same job may vary based on the location and on the location and on other factors such as the size of company, the industry, and other local conditions.

View Salary for Similar Jobs to Photographer in Chicago, IL

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JOB TITLE Biomedical Photographer LOCATION Chicago, IL MINIMUM SALARY $57,994 MAXIMUM SALARY $74,185
JOB TITLE Photographer, Scientific LOCATION Chicago, IL MINIMUM SALARY $44,944 MAXIMUM SALARY $69,282
JOB TITLE Photographer And Photographer Assistant LOCATION Chicago, IL MINIMUM SALARY $51,409 MAXIMUM SALARY $62,965
JOB TITLE Photographer II LOCATION Chicago, IL MINIMUM SALARY $60,248 MAXIMUM SALARY $79,598
JOB TITLE Photographer I LOCATION Chicago, IL MINIMUM SALARY $53,126 MAXIMUM SALARY $65,068
JOB TITLE Photographer III LOCATION Chicago, IL MINIMUM SALARY $78,350 MAXIMUM SALARY $103,286
The Photographer job could be listed using titles that are not exactly the same, but actually are for the same or very similar job. Here are some job titles in Chicago, IL that might be a good fit for the type of job and salary you are looking for.

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68182
89897

 

About Chicago, Illinois    Chicago (/ʃɪˈkɑːɡoʊ/ (listen), locally also /-ˈkɔː-/), officially the City of Chicago, is the most populous city in Illinois, as well as the third mos....More

Chicago, Illinois  area prices were up 0.8% from a year ago

Photographer Salary in popular cities: Aurora, Rockford, Joliet

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