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Photograph retoucher vs photographer

The differences between photograph retouchers and 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 photographer. Additionally, a photograph retoucher has an average salary of $77,972, which is higher than the $33,968 average annual salary of a photographer.

The top three skills for a photograph retoucher include product photography, adobe photoshop and portrait photography. The most important skills for a photographer are adobe photoshop, customer service, and excellent time management.

Photograph retoucher vs photographer overview

Photograph RetoucherPhotographer
Yearly salary$77,972$33,968
Hourly rate$37.49$16.33
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs1,1751,772
Job satisfaction-4.67
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Average age3939
Years of experience22

Photograph retoucher vs photographer salary

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

Photograph RetoucherPhotographer
Average salary$77,972$33,968
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $230,000Between $22,000 And $52,000
Highest paying City-New York, NY
Highest paying state-New York
Best paying company-Jacobs Engineering Group
Best paying industry-Professional

Differences between photograph retoucher and photographer education

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

Photograph RetoucherPhotographer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Photograph retoucher vs photographer demographics

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

Photograph RetoucherPhotographer
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 54.7% Female, 45.3%Male, 38.3% Female, 61.7%
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, 65.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between photograph retoucher and 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.

Photographer example responsibilities.

  • Help manage and post to their Instagram as well.
  • Lead monthly NPPA critique group on storytelling with photographers.
  • Manage multiple social media profiles for community promotion on YouTube and Instagram.
  • Coordinate and manage providing and dressing the customers with old western costumes in preparation of taking their photos.
  • Assist with a family member s photography business while gaining knowledge of DSLR camera systems and various photography computer software programs.
  • Initiate full photography staff membership to NPPA.
  • Show more

Photograph retoucher vs 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 photographer skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 20%
  • Customer Service, 16%
  • Excellent Time Management, 8%
  • Photographic Equipment, 8%
  • Professional Demeanor, 5%
  • Event Photography, 4%

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