Summary
Quick Facts: Photographers | |
---|---|
2023 Median Pay |
$40,760 per year
$19.60 per hour |
Typical Entry-Level Education | High school diploma or equivalent |
Work Experience in a Related Occupation | None |
On-the-job Training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
Number of Jobs, 2022 | 148,900 |
Job Outlook, 2022-32 | 4% (As fast as average) |
Employment Change, 2022-32 | 6,100 |
What Photographers Do
Photographers use their technical expertise, creativity, and composition skills to produce and preserve images.
Work Environment
Working conditions for photographers vary by specialty. Some photographers travel for photo shoots, working either indoors or outdoors. Others work in studios; still others work in laboratories and use microscopes to photograph subjects.
How to Become a Photographer
Although portrait photographers are not required to have postsecondary education, many take classes because employers usually seek applicants with creativity and a "good eye," as well as a good technical understanding of photography. Photojournalists and industrial and scientific photographers often need a bachelor’s degree.
Pay
The median hourly wage for photographers was $19.60 in May 2023.
Job Outlook
Employment of photographers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 13,900 openings for photographers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for photographers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of photographers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about photographers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.