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Contract-photographer vs photographer assistant

The differences between contract-photographers and photographer assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a contract-photographer and a photographer assistant. Additionally, a contract-photographer has an average salary of $37,986, which is higher than the $36,555 average annual salary of a photographer assistant.

The top three skills for a contract-photographer include adobe photoshop, product photography and video production. The most important skills for a photographer assistant are adobe photoshop, photographic equipment, and photo shoots.

Contract-photographer vs photographer assistant overview

Contract-PhotographerPhotographer Assistant
Yearly salary$37,986$36,555
Hourly rate$18.26$17.57
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs9,2821,771
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age3939
Years of experience22

Contract-photographer vs photographer assistant salary

Contract-photographers and photographer assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Contract-PhotographerPhotographer Assistant
Average salary$37,986$36,555
Salary rangeBetween $17,000 And $80,000Between $20,000 And $64,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between contract-photographer and photographer assistant education

There are a few differences between a contract-photographer and a photographer assistant in terms of educational background:

Contract-PhotographerPhotographer Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Contract-photographer vs photographer assistant demographics

Here are the differences between contract-photographers' and photographer assistants' demographics:

Contract-PhotographerPhotographer Assistant
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 57.7% Female, 42.3%Male, 35.1% Female, 64.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 7.1% White, 65.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 7.1% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between contract-photographer and photographer assistant duties and responsibilities

Contract-photographer example responsibilities.

  • Manage creative projects from concept to completion; including signs, posters, specialize logos and video documentaries for clients.
  • Create PowerPoint presentations and publication quality images using digital input devices, photo-editing and graphic arts software.
  • Perform all photography and photo-editing/finishing/restoration of product.

Photographer assistant example responsibilities.

  • Achieve working knowledge of professional DSLR cameras and equipment.
  • Manage creative projects from concept to completion; including signs, posters, specialize logos and video documentaries for clients.
  • Assist head photographer in outdoor shoots -Operate equipment such as flashes, tripods, reflectors, etc.
  • Work closely with merchandising managers and organize all lifestyle studio and outdoor shoots.
  • Freelance commercial photography with a focus on natural light environmental portraiture and lifestyle photography.
  • Compile portfolios for multiple photography competitions/certifications.
  • Show more

Contract-photographer vs photographer assistant skills

Common contract-photographer skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 44%
  • Product Photography, 12%
  • Video Production, 10%
  • Adobe Lightroom, 6%
  • Photo Shoots, 6%
  • Real Estate Properties, 3%
Common photographer assistant skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 38%
  • Photographic Equipment, 15%
  • Photo Shoots, 13%
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Adobe Lightroom, 3%
  • Scheduling Appointments, 3%

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