Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists.
Photographers
SOC: 27-4021 O*NET: 27-4021.00
Median Salary
$42,520
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 1.8%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
12.7
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists.
Overview
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Distribution by Percentile
Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.
10th
$25,512
25th
$34,016
50th (Median)
$42,520
75th
$51,024
90th
$63,780
Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.
Typical Benefits Package
Health & Wellness
- ✓Health Insurance
- ✓Dental Insurance
- ✓Vision Insurance
- ✓Mental Health Support
- ✓Wellness Programs
Financial Benefits
- ✓401(k) Retirement Plan
- ✓Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
- ✓Profit Sharing
- ✓Stock Options
- ✓Performance Bonuses
Work-Life Balance
- ✓Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
- ✓Paid Sick Leave
- ✓Flexible Work Arrangements
- ✓Remote Work Options
- ✓Parental Leave
Professional Development
- ✓Tuition Reimbursement
- ✓Professional Certifications
- ✓Conference Attendance
- ✓Training Programs
- ✓Mentorship Opportunities
Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.
Job Market Intelligence
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:151,200
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+1.8%
Annual Openings:12,700
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)151,200
Current
2034 (Projected)154,000
+1.8%
+2,800
Employment Change
+1.8%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
Top Skills
✓
Active Listening
Active Listening
✓
Speaking
Speaking
✓
Service Orientation
Service Orientation
✓
Social Perceptiveness
Social Perceptiveness
✓
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
✓
Complex Problem Solving
Complex Problem Solving
✓
Judgment and Decision Making
Judgment and Decision Making
✓
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
✓
Active Learning
Active Learning
✓
Monitoring
Monitoring
Key Knowledge Areas
✓
Customer and Personal Service
✓
Sales and Marketing
✓
Computers and Electronics
✓
Administration and Management
✓
English Language
✓
Communications and Media
✓
Fine Arts
✓
Production and Processing
✓
Administrative
✓
Psychology
Education & Training
Education Required
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Experience Required
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Job Training
Training of more than one year