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Photograph retoucher vs freelance photographer

The differences between photograph retouchers and freelance 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 photograph retoucher and a freelance photographer. Additionally, a photograph retoucher has an average salary of $77,972, which is higher than the $42,949 average annual salary of a freelance photographer.

The top three skills for a photograph retoucher include product photography, adobe photoshop and portrait photography. The most important skills for a freelance photographer are adobe photoshop, aperture, and adobe lightroom.

Photograph retoucher vs freelance photographer overview

Photograph RetoucherFreelance Photographer
Yearly salary$77,972$42,949
Hourly rate$37.49$20.65
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs1,1751,766
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Average age3939
Years of experience22

Photograph retoucher vs freelance photographer salary

Photograph retouchers and freelance photographers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Photograph RetoucherFreelance Photographer
Average salary$77,972$42,949
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $230,000Between $29,000 And $61,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between photograph retoucher and freelance photographer education

There are a few differences between a photograph retoucher and a freelance photographer in terms of educational background:

Photograph RetoucherFreelance Photographer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Photograph retoucher vs freelance photographer demographics

Here are the differences between photograph retouchers' and freelance photographers' demographics:

Photograph RetoucherFreelance Photographer
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 54.7% Female, 45.3%Male, 51.2% Female, 48.8%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.9% Asian, 7.0% White, 66.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between photograph retoucher and freelance photographer duties and responsibilities

Photograph retoucher example responsibilities.

  • Work with Sony sales reps to achieve goals and account management.
  • Work on projects and build a customer base to increase traffic to the company's new website and Facebook page.
  • Create PowerPoint presentations and publication quality images using digital input devices, photo-editing and graphic arts software.
  • Earn commendations for excellence in journalism writing and photojournalism throughout career.

Freelance photographer example responsibilities.

  • Manage HDR and PANO shots for greater Pittsburgh area.
  • Help manage a few bands Facebook pages and websites, including sharing and promoting shows and upcoming relate events.
  • Manage creative projects from concept to completion; including signs, posters, specialize logos and video documentaries for clients.
  • Provide commercial photography to assist company advertising and promotion on social platforms, including Instagram and Facebook.
  • Experience with Nikon D90 and relate equipment.
  • Experience with Nikon D50 D2100 SLR digital cameras
  • Show more

Photograph retoucher vs freelance photographer skills

Common photograph retoucher skills
  • Product Photography, 33%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 21%
  • Portrait Photography, 6%
  • Adobe Lightroom, 5%
  • Art Direction, 5%
  • Color Correction, 4%
Common freelance photographer skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 30%
  • Aperture, 14%
  • Adobe Lightroom, 7%
  • Photo Shoots, 5%
  • Portfolio, 4%
  • Music Videos, 4%

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