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Staff photographer vs photographer assistant

The differences between staff photographers 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 staff photographer and a photographer assistant. Additionally, a staff photographer has an average salary of $37,094, which is higher than the $36,555 average annual salary of a photographer assistant.

The top three skills for a staff photographer include product photography, adobe photoshop and event coverage. The most important skills for a photographer assistant are adobe photoshop, photographic equipment, and photo shoots.

Staff photographer vs photographer assistant overview

Staff PhotographerPhotographer Assistant
Yearly salary$37,094$36,555
Hourly rate$17.83$17.57
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs69,6951,771
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age3939
Years of experience22

Staff photographer vs photographer assistant salary

Staff photographers and photographer assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Staff PhotographerPhotographer Assistant
Average salary$37,094$36,555
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $64,000Between $20,000 And $64,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between staff photographer and photographer assistant education

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

Staff PhotographerPhotographer Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Staff photographer vs photographer assistant demographics

Here are the differences between staff photographers' and photographer assistants' demographics:

Staff PhotographerPhotographer Assistant
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 61.8% Female, 38.2%Male, 35.1% Female, 64.9%
Race ratioBlack 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%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 staff photographer and photographer assistant duties and responsibilities

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.

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

Staff photographer vs photographer assistant skills

Common staff photographer skills
  • Product Photography, 33%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 28%
  • Event Coverage, 5%
  • Adobe Lightroom, 4%
  • Photo Shoots, 2%
  • Art Directors, 2%
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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