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Travel writer vs photographer

The differences between travel writers and photographers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a travel writer has an average salary of $57,196, which is higher than the $33,968 average annual salary of a photographer.

The top three skills for a travel writer include SEO, blogging and blog posts. The most important skills for a photographer are adobe photoshop, customer service, and excellent time management.

Travel writer vs photographer overview

Travel WriterPhotographer
Yearly salary$57,196$33,968
Hourly rate$27.50$16.33
Growth rate4%9%
Number of jobs18,2581,772
Job satisfaction-4.67
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Average age4239
Years of experience-2

What does a travel writer do?

The major role of a Travel Writer is to describe various tourist destinations for diverse publications using their personal experiences and knowledge. These write-ups can either be in the form of articles, blurbs, and documentaries or even travel guides. In most cases, a travel writer attaches photographs of places they've visited in their writing. The combination of words and photographs usually allows the reader to visualize the experience. You may either work for a company or do freelance work, but either way, your job involves creating informational articles on interesting places people can visit.

What does a photographer do?

A photographer is an individual who focuses on the art of taking images with the use of a digital or traditional film camera. They are knowledgeable in the proper utilization and care of high-end cameras. They generally work as a freelancer and often hired to capture memories of unique clients. Some are also in exclusive partnerships with event-related industries in such settings as weddings, graduation, corporate events, and even commercial shoots. Apart from taking pictures, they also may be required to edit and prepare photographs to submit to clients or for publication.

Travel writer vs photographer salary

Travel writers and photographers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Travel WriterPhotographer
Average salary$57,196$33,968
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $93,000Between $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 travel writer and photographer education

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

Travel WriterPhotographer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Most common majorJournalismPhotography
Most common collegeMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyHarvard University

Travel writer vs photographer demographics

Here are the differences between travel writers' and photographers' demographics:

Travel WriterPhotographer
Average age4239
Gender ratioMale, 35.0% Female, 65.0%Male, 38.3% Female, 61.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.9% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.6% Asian, 4.9% White, 75.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%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 Percentage16%11%

Differences between travel writer and photographer duties and responsibilities

Travel writer example responsibilities.

  • Manage projects diligently under aggressive deadlines while maintaining editorial integrity and ensuring stories have entertainment and/or educational value.
  • Work with Wordpress as a CMS.
  • Construct elements using rudimentary HTML code - including text, art - for effective Craiglist ad.
  • Generate attention-grabbing, relevant topics using SEO tactics including keyword research and on-page optimization.
  • Conduct interviews, extensive research and original photography to accurately source articles and corresponding images within deadline.
  • Serve as coordinator for ITG portal during migration to SharePoint
  • Show more

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

Travel writer vs photographer skills

Common travel writer skills
  • SEO, 55%
  • Blogging, 33%
  • Blog Posts, 3%
  • CMS, 2%
  • Twitter, 1%
  • Facebook, 1%
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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