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Contract-photographer vs staff photographer

The differences between contract-photographers and staff 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 staff photographer. Additionally, a contract-photographer has an average salary of $37,986, which is higher than the $37,094 average annual salary of a staff photographer.

The top three skills for a contract-photographer include adobe photoshop, product photography and video production. The most important skills for a staff photographer are product photography, adobe photoshop, and event coverage.

Contract-photographer vs staff photographer overview

Contract-PhotographerStaff Photographer
Yearly salary$37,986$37,094
Hourly rate$18.26$17.83
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs9,28269,695
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age3939
Years of experience22

Contract-photographer vs staff photographer salary

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

Contract-PhotographerStaff Photographer
Average salary$37,986$37,094
Salary rangeBetween $17,000 And $80,000Between $21,000 And $64,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between contract-photographer and staff photographer education

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

Contract-PhotographerStaff Photographer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Contract-photographer vs staff photographer demographics

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

Contract-PhotographerStaff Photographer
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 57.7% Female, 42.3%Male, 61.8% Female, 38.2%
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, 15.0% Asian, 7.0% White, 65.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between contract-photographer and staff 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.

Staff photographer example responsibilities.

  • Manage creative projects from concept to completion; including signs, posters, specialize logos and video documentaries for clients.
  • Operate specialized camera equipment, including DSLR cameras and lenses, as well as video lighting.
  • Contribute to website and Facebook pages, keeping followers inform about local news and events between weekly papers.
  • Compile portfolios for multiple photography competitions/certifications.
  • Compile portfolios for multiple photography competitions/certifications.

Contract-photographer vs staff 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 staff photographer skills
  • Product Photography, 33%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 28%
  • Event Coverage, 5%
  • Adobe Lightroom, 4%
  • Photo Shoots, 2%
  • Art Directors, 2%

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