Find a Job You Really Want In
In 2026, the photography profession continues to thrive across the United States, with photographers playing an essential role in various industries—from media to events. Unlike the past, where certain states dominated the photography scene, talented photographers can now find opportunities in every corner of the country.
To determine where photographers can find the best job prospects, pay, and career growth, we analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and other industry resources. Our research aimed to identify states where photographers not only have access to ample job openings but also earn competitive salaries throughout their careers.
After analyzing the data, we’ve compiled a list of the best states for photographers in 2026:
- Rhode Island
- Massachusetts
- New Mexico
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- New York
- California
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Delaware
As reflected in our findings, Rhode Island stands out as the top state for photographers, providing a balanced mix of job availability and salary potential.
Curious about how we arrived at this ranking? Let’s delve into the methodology we used to determine the best states for photographers.
How We Determined the Best States for Photographers
At Zippia, we engage with a diverse range of job seekers and have identified key factors that individuals prioritize when looking for employment:
- Job Availability
- Salary
To find the best states for photographers, we analyzed data on job availability and salary levels. Our criteria were sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics, including:
- Location Quotient: Measuring the concentration of photographers in each state.
- Average Annual Salary: The typical income for photographers.
- Average Entry-Level Salary: Starting salaries for new entrants into the field.
- Average Experienced Salary: Earnings for seasoned professionals.
To effectively compare salaries across states, we adjusted figures based on the cost of living in each state. For example, while the average salary for photographers in California may be $51,250, the same amount does not stretch as far in terms of living expenses compared to states like Illinois, where the average salary is $34,930.
We ranked each state based on the criteria from 1 to 50, with 1 being the most favorable. The overall Job Score was calculated by averaging these rankings, allowing us to identify the best state for photographers.
1. Rhode Island
Total Jobs: 220
Average Annual Salary: $51,630
Average Entry-Level Salary: $26,890
Average Experienced Salary: $78,620
Location Quotient: 1.3
2. Massachusetts
Total Jobs: 1,200
Average Annual Salary: $51,190
Average Entry-Level Salary: $25,440
Average Experienced Salary: $90,290
Location Quotient: 0.97
3. New Mexico
Total Jobs: 290
Average Annual Salary: $40,160
Average Entry-Level Salary: $20,410
Average Experienced Salary: $72,800
Location Quotient: 0.99
4. Minnesota
Total Jobs: 780
Average Annual Salary: $45,440
Average Entry-Level Salary: $25,090
Average Experienced Salary: $81,580
Location Quotient: 0.78
5. Missouri
Total Jobs: 1,200
Average Annual Salary: $36,110
Average Entry-Level Salary: $18,230
Average Experienced Salary: $62,060
Location Quotient: 1.22
6. New York
Total Jobs: 4,060
Average Annual Salary: $59,740
Average Entry-Level Salary: $19,410
Average Experienced Salary: $100,320
Location Quotient: 1.25
7. California
Total Jobs: 6,360
Average Annual Salary: $51,250
Average Entry-Level Salary: $19,650
Average Experienced Salary: $100,520
Location Quotient: 1.13
8. Oklahoma
Total Jobs: 740
Average Annual Salary: $33,600
Average Entry-Level Salary: $20,090
Average Experienced Salary: $55,030
Location Quotient: 1.27
9. Oregon
Total Jobs: 440
Average Annual Salary: $44,040
Average Entry-Level Salary: $25,860
Average Experienced Salary: $74,610
Location Quotient: 0.69
10. Delaware
Total Jobs: 120
Average Annual Salary: $45,220
Average Entry-Level Salary: $21,260
Average Experienced Salary: $83,160
Location Quotient: 0.79
The Bottom Line
For those embarking on a career as a photographer, these states should be at the forefront of your job search. They offer competitive salaries, job openings, and significant opportunities for advancement.
Additionally, here are the states ranked lowest for photographers in the U.S.:
Full List of the Best States for Photographers
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rhode Island | $51,630 |
| 2 | Massachusetts | $51,190 |
| 3 | New Mexico | $40,160 |
| 4 | Minnesota | $45,440 |
| 5 | Missouri | $36,110 |
| 6 | New York | $59,740 |
| 7 | California | $51,250 |
| 8 | Oklahoma | $33,600 |
| 9 | Oregon | $44,040 |
| 10 | Delaware | $45,220 |
| 11 | Washington | $39,980 |
| 12 | South Carolina | $35,850 |
| 13 | Michigan | $38,940 |
| 14 | Georgia | $38,220 |
| 15 | Nevada | $36,040 |
| 16 | Texas | $43,180 |
| 17 | Vermont | $40,270 |
| 18 | Maine | $44,520 |
| 19 | Arizona | $39,070 |
| 20 | Kentucky | $32,650 |
| 21 | Alabama | $34,940 |
| 22 | Kansas | $34,870 |
| 23 | Ohio | $31,200 |
| 24 | Wisconsin | $39,020 |
| 25 | Tennessee | $33,570 |
| 26 | Connecticut | $45,100 |
| 27 | Indiana | $30,800 |
| 28 | South Dakota | $30,250 |
| 29 | Florida | $33,430 |
| 30 | Illinois | $34,930 |
| 31 | Utah | $31,750 |
| 32 | West Virginia | $34,160 |
| 33 | North Dakota | $35,480 |
| 34 | Idaho | $31,120 |
| 35 | Alaska | $42,000 |
| 36 | Nebraska | $28,860 |
| 37 | North Carolina | $30,430 |
| 38 | Colorado | $33,390 |
| 39 | Maryland | $37,300 |
| 40 | Arkansas | $28,710 |
| 41 | New Jersey | $34,570 |
| 42 | Virginia | $37,090 |
| 43 | Pennsylvania | $32,650 |
| 44 | Hawaii | $0 |
| 45 | Iowa | $27,680 |
| 46 | Wyoming | $29,820 |
| 47 | Mississippi | $30,170 |
| 48 | Montana | $23,710 |
| 49 | New Hampshire | $31,910 |
| 50 | Louisiana | $27,550 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
