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Digital photographer vs staff photographer

The differences between digital 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 digital photographer and a staff photographer. Additionally, a digital photographer has an average salary of $41,706, which is higher than the $37,094 average annual salary of a staff photographer.

The top three skills for a digital photographer include adobe photo, digital photography equipment and customer service. The most important skills for a staff photographer are product photography, adobe photoshop, and event coverage.

Digital photographer vs staff photographer overview

Digital PhotographerStaff Photographer
Yearly salary$41,706$37,094
Hourly rate$20.05$17.83
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs17,41969,695
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age3939
Years of experience22

Digital photographer vs staff photographer salary

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

Digital PhotographerStaff Photographer
Average salary$41,706$37,094
Salary rangeBetween $22,000 And $75,000Between $21,000 And $64,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between digital photographer and staff photographer education

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

Digital PhotographerStaff Photographer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Digital photographer vs staff photographer demographics

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

Digital PhotographerStaff Photographer
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 64.6% Female, 35.4%Male, 61.8% Female, 38.2%
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, 15.0% Asian, 7.0% White, 65.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between digital photographer and staff 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.

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.

Digital photographer vs staff 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 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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