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Staff photographer vs sports photographer

The differences between staff photographers and sports 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 sports photographer. Additionally, a staff photographer has an average salary of $37,094, which is higher than the $27,958 average annual salary of a sports photographer.

The top three skills for a staff photographer include product photography, adobe photoshop and event coverage. The most important skills for a sports photographer are adobe photoshop, camera equipment, and kids.

Staff photographer vs sports photographer overview

Staff PhotographerSports Photographer
Yearly salary$37,094$27,958
Hourly rate$17.83$13.44
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs69,6956,917
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Average age3939
Years of experience22

Staff photographer vs sports photographer salary

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

Staff PhotographerSports Photographer
Average salary$37,094$27,958
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $64,000Between $22,000 And $34,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between staff photographer and sports photographer education

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

Staff PhotographerSports Photographer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Staff photographer vs sports photographer demographics

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

Staff PhotographerSports Photographer
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 61.8% Female, 38.2%Male, 62.7% Female, 37.3%
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, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 7.1% White, 65.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between staff photographer and sports 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.

Sports photographer example responsibilities.

  • Coordinate and manage providing and dressing the customers with old western costumes in preparation of taking their photos.
  • Create PowerPoint presentations and publication quality images using digital input devices, photo-editing and graphic arts software.
  • Mount cameras on tripods or stands, and load prescribe types and sizes of film in cameras.
  • Photograph children, families and pets with holiday backgrounds, on Santa's lap, with elves, etc.
  • Provide news/sports reports and play-by-play announcing for football and basketball games
  • Create and execute station's college basketball coverage including play-by-play.
  • Show more

Staff photographer vs sports 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 sports photographer skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 20%
  • Camera Equipment, 14%
  • Kids, 8%
  • School Administration, 8%
  • Digital Photography, 8%
  • Youth Sports, 6%

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