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Photograph retoucher vs staff photographer

The differences between photograph retouchers 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 photograph retoucher and a staff photographer. Additionally, a photograph retoucher has an average salary of $77,972, which is higher than the $37,094 average annual salary of a staff photographer.

The top three skills for a photograph retoucher include product photography, adobe photoshop and portrait photography. The most important skills for a staff photographer are product photography, adobe photoshop, and event coverage.

Photograph retoucher vs staff photographer overview

Photograph RetoucherStaff Photographer
Yearly salary$77,972$37,094
Hourly rate$37.49$17.83
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs1,17569,695
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age3939
Years of experience22

Photograph retoucher vs staff photographer salary

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

Photograph RetoucherStaff Photographer
Average salary$77,972$37,094
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $230,000Between $21,000 And $64,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between photograph retoucher and staff photographer education

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

Photograph RetoucherStaff Photographer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Photograph retoucher vs staff photographer demographics

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

Photograph RetoucherStaff Photographer
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 54.7% Female, 45.3%Male, 61.8% Female, 38.2%
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, 15.0% Asian, 7.0% White, 65.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between photograph retoucher and staff 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.

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.

Photograph retoucher vs staff 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 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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