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Contract-photographer vs photographer

The differences between contract-photographers and photographers 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. Additionally, a contract-photographer has an average salary of $37,986, which is higher than the $33,968 average annual salary of a photographer.

The top three skills for a contract-photographer include adobe photoshop, product photography and video production. The most important skills for a photographer are adobe photoshop, customer service, and excellent time management.

Contract-photographer vs photographer overview

Contract-PhotographerPhotographer
Yearly salary$37,986$33,968
Hourly rate$18.26$16.33
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs9,2821,772
Job satisfaction-4.67
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Average age3939
Years of experience22

Contract-photographer vs photographer salary

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

Contract-PhotographerPhotographer
Average salary$37,986$33,968
Salary rangeBetween $17,000 And $80,000Between $22,000 And $52,000
Highest paying City-New York, NY
Highest paying state-New York
Best paying company-Jacobs Engineering Group
Best paying industry-Professional

Differences between contract-photographer and photographer education

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

Contract-PhotographerPhotographer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Contract-photographer vs photographer demographics

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

Contract-PhotographerPhotographer
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 57.7% Female, 42.3%Male, 38.3% Female, 61.7%
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, 6.3% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 7.0% White, 65.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between contract-photographer and photographer 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 example responsibilities.

  • Help manage and post to their Instagram as well.
  • Lead monthly NPPA critique group on storytelling with photographers.
  • Manage multiple social media profiles for community promotion on YouTube and Instagram.
  • Coordinate and manage providing and dressing the customers with old western costumes in preparation of taking their photos.
  • Assist with a family member s photography business while gaining knowledge of DSLR camera systems and various photography computer software programs.
  • Initiate full photography staff membership to NPPA.
  • Show more

Contract-photographer vs photographer 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 skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 20%
  • Customer Service, 16%
  • Excellent Time Management, 8%
  • Photographic Equipment, 8%
  • Professional Demeanor, 5%
  • Event Photography, 4%

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