Post job

Staff photographer vs photographer

The differences between staff photographers 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 staff photographer and a photographer. Additionally, a staff photographer has an average salary of $37,094, which is higher than the $33,968 average annual salary of a photographer.

The top three skills for a staff photographer include product photography, adobe photoshop and event coverage. The most important skills for a photographer are adobe photoshop, customer service, and excellent time management.

Staff photographer vs photographer overview

Staff PhotographerPhotographer
Yearly salary$37,094$33,968
Hourly rate$17.83$16.33
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs69,6951,772
Job satisfaction-4.67
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Average age3939
Years of experience22

Staff photographer vs photographer salary

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

Staff PhotographerPhotographer
Average salary$37,094$33,968
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $64,000Between $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 staff photographer and photographer education

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

Staff PhotographerPhotographer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Staff photographer vs photographer demographics

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

Staff PhotographerPhotographer
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 61.8% Female, 38.2%Male, 38.3% Female, 61.7%
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, 6.3% 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 staff photographer and photographer 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 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

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

Browse arts, entertainment, sports, and media jobs