Research Summary. The Zippia data team has compiled average salary estimates for various photography roles across the United States by leveraging data from public government sources, company reports, and thousands of job postings. This analysis highlights the highest-paying photography positions based on average annual salaries.
Below is a summary of our findings for the highest-paid types of photographers in 2026:
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Executive Producer holds the title of the highest-paid photographer, with an average salary of $117,841 and an hourly rate of $56.65.
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Following closely, the second highest-paying role is Producer, with an average salary of $72,202.
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The overall average salary for photographers stands at $33,968 annually, translating to an hourly wage of $16.33.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Deciding on a career path can be a daunting task. While compensation is a crucial factor, it shouldn’t be the sole consideration. For aspiring photographers, understanding the highest-paying positions can aid in crafting a strategic career trajectory.
Here are the top salaries for various types of photographers:
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Executive Producer
Average Salary: $117,841
An executive producer oversees the creation and development of digital content. Their duties include securing budgets, negotiating with production companies, and managing marketing efforts. They coordinate with various producers to assemble the production team and ensure all creative content aligns with the established timelines. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential for effective collaboration among production personnel.
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Producer
Average Salary: $72,202
A producer is pivotal in providing the logistics and resources necessary for film, television, or stage productions. They recruit key production staff, including directors and crew, while also supporting the creative team to ensure deadlines are met. Frequent travel may be required for on-location shoots or theatre tours.
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Photography Internship
Average Salary: $67,376
A photography internship provides invaluable hands-on experience for students, enhancing their creativity, networking, and technical skills in a real-world studio environment. Tasks may include research, updating social media, and creating content for various platforms. This practical experience boosts confidence, motivation, and employability.
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Photo Editor
Average Salary: $63,168
Photo Editors work within creative or marketing departments, managing images used for marketing materials and social media. They ensure that photographs align with the company’s brand image and may enhance visuals to maximize impact.
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Freelance Producer
Average Salary: $62,218
Freelance producers handle diverse responsibilities, including project management, logistics, and budget oversight for various content types, such as TV shows or advertisements. They also recruit key staff and may scout locations for shoots.
Below is a comprehensive table detailing average salaries for various photography roles, followed by an explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Photographers
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Executive Producer | |
| 2 | Producer | |
| 3 | Photography Internship | |
| 4 | Photo Editor | |
| 5 | Freelance Producer | |
| 6 | Video Producer | |
| 7 | Freelance Video Editor | |
| 8 | News Producer | |
| 9 | Photographer, Editor | |
| 10 | Editor & Producer | |
| 11 | Audio Visual Specialist | |
| 12 | Freelance Videographer/Editor | |
| 13 | Associate Producer | |
| 14 | Assistant Producer | |
| 15 | Videographer | |
| 16 | Camera Operator | |
| 17 | Audio Visual Technician | |
| 18 | Freelance Photographer | |
| 19 | Lead Photographer | |
| 20 | Video Production Internship |
Methodology
To derive its salary estimates, Zippia utilizes publicly available data from government agencies such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
Our data science team also examines job postings and company resources for the most current salary information for photographers.
After compiling the data, a weighted average is calculated for each job title. For further insights into our salary estimates, please refer to our detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Photographer Jobs FAQs
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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, equivalent to $56.65 per hour.
An executive producer oversees the creation and development of digital entertainment content. Their role includes budget management, negotiating with production companies, and coordinating marketing campaigns. They work closely with producers to finalize teams and ensure all production plans are executed on time. Strong organizational and communication skills are vital for ensuring smooth production operations.
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What is a good salary for a photographer?
A good salary for a photographer is $33,968 or more. The average salary for photographers is $33,968, indicating that those earning this amount are above the average pay rate.
However, it’s important to note that salaries can vary significantly based on location and experience. Researching the average salary for your specific area and level of expertise can provide a clearer picture of your earning potential.
For entry-level photographers, salaries may start significantly lower than the average, so it is crucial to consider the broader context of salary data.
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Do photographer jobs pay well?
No, photographer jobs generally do not pay well. While some photography roles can be lucrative, the average salary of $33,968 is below the national average salary of approximately $44,225 per year.
That said, many photographers have the potential to earn significantly more, particularly those in the top 10% of the profession. Salary fluctuations are influenced by experience, industry, and geographic location, so it’s essential to research the going rates in your area and negotiate accordingly.
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Where do photographers earn the most?
Photographers earn the most in New York. In New York, the average salary for photographers is $56,937, with an hourly wage of $27.37.
Following New York, the states with the highest-paying photography jobs include Connecticut, Utah, and West Virginia, with average annual salaries of $40,485, $37,038, and $37,194, respectively.
The cities with the highest salaries for photographers are:
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New York, NY – $57,095
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Minneapolis, MN – $41,120
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Sacramento, CA – $40,255
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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.
