Photographer Salary in San Diego, CA

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How much does a Photographer make in San Diego, CA?

As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Photographer in San Diego, CA is $81,165. According to Salary.com, salaries can range from a low of $62,539 to a high of $105,991, with most professionals earning between $71,415 and $94,160.

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Salary range for a Photographer
$71,415 to $94,160
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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 San Diego, CA

How much should you be earning in Photographer in San Diego, CA 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 San Diego, CA

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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 San Diego, CA

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
71415
94160
81165

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
72209
97546
82811
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 San Diego, CA. The base salary for Photographer ranges from $71,415 to $94,160 with the average base salary of $81,165. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $72,209 to $97,546 with the average total cash compensation of $82,811.

View Average Salary for Photographer as table

Average Salary Average Salary Range
Base Salary $81,165 $71,415 - $94,160
Bonus $1,647 $794 - $3,386
Total Pay $82,811 $72,209 - $97,546
* 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 San Diego, CA

CITY, STATE AVERAGE SALARY RANGE COMPARE TO San Diego, CA
CITY, STATE El Cajon, CA AVERAGE SALARY RANGE $71,204 - $93,882 COMPARE TO San Diego, CA
CITY, STATE Chula Vista, CA AVERAGE SALARY RANGE $71,415 - $94,160 COMPARE TO San Diego, CA 0%
CITY, STATE Escondido, CA AVERAGE SALARY RANGE $71,019 - $93,638 COMPARE TO San Diego, CA
CITY, STATE Oceanside, CA AVERAGE SALARY RANGE $71,250 - $93,942 COMPARE TO San Diego, CA
CITY, STATE Carlsbad, CA AVERAGE SALARY RANGE $71,019 - $93,638 COMPARE TO San Diego, CA
CITY, STATE Murrieta, CA AVERAGE SALARY RANGE $70,907 - $93,490 COMPARE TO San Diego, CA
See salaries for Photographer in locations close to San Diego, CA. 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 San Diego, CA

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JOB TITLE Photographer And Photographer Assistant LOCATION San Diego, CA MINIMUM SALARY $51,409 MAXIMUM SALARY $62,965
JOB TITLE Photographer II LOCATION San Diego, CA MINIMUM SALARY $63,105 MAXIMUM SALARY $83,372
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JOB TITLE Photographer III LOCATION San Diego, CA MINIMUM SALARY $82,065 MAXIMUM SALARY $108,184
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 San Diego, CA that might be a good fit for the type of job and salary you are looking for.

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71415
94160

 

About San Diego, California    According to SDSU professor emeritus Monte Marshall, San Diego Bay is "the surface expression of a north-south-trending, nested graben". The Rose Cany....More

San Diego, California  area prices were up 2.6% from a year ago

Photographer Salary in popular cities: Los Angeles, San Jose, San Francisco

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