Post job

Photograph retoucher vs lead photographer

The differences between photograph retouchers 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 photograph retoucher and a lead photographer. Additionally, a photograph retoucher has an average salary of $77,972, which is higher than the $35,976 average annual salary of a lead photographer.

The top three skills for a photograph retoucher include product photography, adobe photoshop and portrait photography. The most important skills for a lead photographer are adobe photoshop, photographic equipment, and portrait photography.

Photograph retoucher vs lead photographer overview

Photograph RetoucherLead Photographer
Yearly salary$77,972$35,976
Hourly rate$37.49$17.30
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs1,1756,644
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Average age3939
Years of experience22

Photograph retoucher vs lead photographer salary

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

Photograph RetoucherLead Photographer
Average salary$77,972$35,976
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $230,000Between $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 photograph retoucher and lead photographer education

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

Photograph RetoucherLead Photographer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityNorthwestern University

Photograph retoucher vs lead photographer demographics

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

Photograph RetoucherLead Photographer
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 54.7% Female, 45.3%Male, 48.2% Female, 51.8%
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, 6.3% 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 photograph retoucher and lead 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.

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

Photograph retoucher vs lead 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 lead photographer skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 23%
  • Photographic Equipment, 20%
  • Portrait Photography, 7%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Photo Shoots, 4%
  • Digital Photography, 4%

Browse arts, entertainment, sports, and media jobs