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Digital photographer vs lead photographer

The differences between digital photographers and lead 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 digital photographer and a lead photographer. Additionally, a digital photographer has an average salary of $41,706, which is higher than the $35,976 average annual salary of a lead photographer.

The top three skills for a digital photographer include adobe photo, digital photography equipment and customer service. The most important skills for a lead photographer are adobe photoshop, photographic equipment, and portrait photography.

Digital photographer vs lead photographer overview

Digital PhotographerLead Photographer
Yearly salary$41,706$35,976
Hourly rate$20.05$17.30
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs17,4196,644
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Average age3939
Years of experience22

Digital photographer vs lead photographer salary

Digital photographers and lead photographers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Digital PhotographerLead Photographer
Average salary$41,706$35,976
Salary rangeBetween $22,000 And $75,000Between $22,000 And $57,000
Highest paying City-Syracuse, NY
Highest paying state-New York
Best paying company-Syracuse University
Best paying industry-Manufacturing

Differences between digital photographer and lead photographer education

There are a few differences between a digital photographer and a lead photographer in terms of educational background:

Digital PhotographerLead Photographer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityNorthwestern University

Digital photographer vs lead photographer demographics

Here are the differences between digital photographers' and lead photographers' demographics:

Digital PhotographerLead Photographer
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 64.6% Female, 35.4%Male, 48.2% Female, 51.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 7.1% White, 65.0% 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, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between digital photographer and lead photographer duties and responsibilities

Digital photographer example responsibilities.

  • Photograph the dog and manage the Instagram and Facebook pages.
  • Manage creative projects from concept to completion; including signs, posters, specialize logos and video documentaries for clients.
  • Compile portfolios for multiple photography competitions/certifications.
  • Compile portfolios for multiple photography competitions/certifications.

Lead photographer example responsibilities.

  • Manage different operating processes and goals for photography team, creating success for office and limiting inaccurate paperwork and improve product.
  • Run and upkeep the business' Facebook page.
  • Resolve operational problems of camera lens, tripods and external flash units.
  • Advance knowledge of photo management and editing software, DSLR cameras and relate equipment.
  • Light social media work also perform on various social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter/HootSuite, Lookbook, etc.
  • Operate DSLR cameras and photography equipment.
  • Show more

Digital photographer vs lead photographer skills

Common digital photographer skills
  • Adobe Photo, 25%
  • Digital Photography Equipment, 9%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Digital Cameras, 6%
  • Adobe Lightroom, 6%
  • DSLR, 4%
Common lead photographer skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 23%
  • Photographic Equipment, 20%
  • Portrait Photography, 7%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Photo Shoots, 4%
  • Digital Photography, 4%

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