Highest-Paying Photographer Jobs [2023]

Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of photographers that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.

Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of photographers:

• Executive Producer is the highest-paid type of photographer with an average salary of $117,841 and an average hourly rate of $56.65.

• The second highest-paying type of photographer is producer, with an average salary of $72,202.

• The average photographer salary is $33,968 per year, and the average hourly pay is $16.33.

Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs

Background

Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a photographer, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of photographers are so that you can plan your career progression.

Here are the top salaries for different types of photographers:

1. Executive Producer

   Average Salary: $117,841

   An executive producer is responsible for supervising the creation and development of digital entertainment content. Executive producers secure and maintain the production budget, negotiate with a production company, and manage marketing campaigns for promotion. They also work with multiple producers to finalize the production team, review the creative content, and ensure the completeness of production plans within the agreed timeframe. An executive producer must have excellent communication and organization skills, especially on coordinating with production personnel to ensure the smooth flow of the production operations.

2. Producer

   Average Salary: $72,202

   A producer is an individual who is responsible for providing infrastructure, resources, and logistics in making a movie, television show, or stage production. Producers hire production staff such as director, crew, and sometimes actors to coordinate their activities throughout the production process. They support the creative team by conducting meetings to discuss the production’s progress and ensure adherence to deadlines. Producers also travel often either to film on location for a movie or to tour with a theatre production.

3. Photography Internship

   Average Salary: $67,376

   Photography internship is an advantage to interns who assist photographers while studying since it can develop creativity, strong networking, technical, and practical skills as they learn both lighting and photography business in a real photography studio. These interns are tasked to perform research, update social media platforms, and create images for social media posts. Such valuable hands-on experience serves as an entry-level to boost confidence, increase motivation, gain references, and qualify them for a permanent job offer.

4. Photo Editor

   Average Salary: $63,168

   Photo Editors are employees in the creatives or marketing department of the company. They handle photos used by the company for its marketing collaterals, social media posts, or publishing. They also ensure that the photos are in line with the company’s brand and image. Photo Editors may add items or elements to make the photo more eye-catching.

5. Freelance Producer

   Average Salary: $62,218

   The responsibilities of a freelance producer are so broad that they can be tricky to define. Broadly, a freelance producer is responsible for finding, launching, and completing a project. They primarily handle logistics pertaining to the creation of various pieces of content. This content may include television shows, advertisements, or audio/video presentations. They also manage finances, keep the production within the allocated budget, and hire all key staff, crew members, and post-production teams. They may also have to scout for shoot locations.

Below is a full table of the average pay for various photographer that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Photographers

Methodology

Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.

Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for photographers.

Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Photographer Jobs FAQs

1. What is the highest-paid photographer job?

   The highest-paid photographer job is an executive producer. Executive Producers earn an average salary of $117,841, which is $ 56.65 hourly.

   An executive producer is responsible for supervising the creation and development of digital entertainment content. Executive producers secure and maintain the production budget, negotiate with a production company, and manage marketing campaigns for promotion. They also work with multiple producers to finalize the production team, review the creative content, and ensure the completeness of production plans within the agreed timeframe. An executive producer must have excellent communication and organization skills, especially on coordinating with production personnel to ensure the smooth flow of the production operations.

2. What is a good salary for a photographer?

   A good salary for a photographer is $33,968 or more. The average photographer salary is $33,968, so those making at least $33,968 are earning above-average paychecks.

   Keep in mind, however, that the average photographer salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.

   In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a photographer, the average entry level salary is $0, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $33,968 average, as this includes all photographers of all skill and experience levels.

3. Do Photographer jobs pay well?

   No, photographer jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some photographer jobs pay better than others, but the average photographer salary of $33,968 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.

   In addition to this, many photographer jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of photographers earning $0 a year on average.

   Photographers’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a photographer. Do your research on the going rate for a photographer in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.

4. Where do photographers get paid the most?

   Photographers get paid the most in New York. In New York, photographers earn an average annual salary of $56,937 and an average hourly wage of $27.37.

   Following NY, the states with the highest-paid photographers are Connecticut, Utah, and West Virginia, with average annual salaries of $40,485, $37,038, and $37,194 respectively.

   The cities with the highest-paid photographer salaries are:

   1. New York, NY – $57,095

   2. Minneapolis, MN – $41,120

   3. Sacramento, CA – $40,255

Author

Chris Kolmar

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.