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Photograph retoucher vs photographer assistant

The differences between photograph retouchers and photographer assistants 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 photographer assistant. Additionally, a photograph retoucher has an average salary of $77,972, which is higher than the $36,555 average annual salary of a photographer assistant.

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

Photograph retoucher vs photographer assistant overview

Photograph RetoucherPhotographer Assistant
Yearly salary$77,972$36,555
Hourly rate$37.49$17.57
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs1,1751,771
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age3939
Years of experience22

Photograph retoucher vs photographer assistant salary

Photograph retouchers and photographer assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Photograph RetoucherPhotographer Assistant
Average salary$77,972$36,555
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $230,000Between $20,000 And $64,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between photograph retoucher and photographer assistant education

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

Photograph RetoucherPhotographer Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Photograph retoucher vs photographer assistant demographics

Here are the differences between photograph retouchers' and photographer assistants' demographics:

Photograph RetoucherPhotographer Assistant
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 54.7% Female, 45.3%Male, 35.1% Female, 64.9%
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, 6.4% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 7.1% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between photograph retoucher and photographer assistant 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.

Photographer assistant example responsibilities.

  • Achieve working knowledge of professional DSLR cameras and equipment.
  • Manage creative projects from concept to completion; including signs, posters, specialize logos and video documentaries for clients.
  • Assist head photographer in outdoor shoots -Operate equipment such as flashes, tripods, reflectors, etc.
  • Work closely with merchandising managers and organize all lifestyle studio and outdoor shoots.
  • Freelance commercial photography with a focus on natural light environmental portraiture and lifestyle photography.
  • Compile portfolios for multiple photography competitions/certifications.
  • Show more

Photograph retoucher vs photographer assistant skills

Common photograph retoucher skills
  • Product Photography, 33%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 21%
  • Portrait Photography, 6%
  • Adobe Lightroom, 5%
  • Art Direction, 5%
  • Color Correction, 4%
Common photographer assistant skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 38%
  • Photographic Equipment, 15%
  • Photo Shoots, 13%
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Adobe Lightroom, 3%
  • Scheduling Appointments, 3%

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