Average salary, compensation, and wages for Photographers in the United StatesMedian annual earnings of salaried photographers were $24,040 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $17,740 and $34,910. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $14,640, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $49,920. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of salaried photographers were $31,460 for newspapers and periodicals and $21,860 for other professional or scientific services. Salaried photographers—more of whom work full time—tend to earn more than those who are self-employed. Because most freelance and portrait photographers purchase their own equipment, they incur considerable expense acquiring and maintaining cameras and accessories. Unlike news and commercial photographers, few fine arts photographers are successful enough to support themselves solely through their art. More information on Photographers from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Overview of Photographers occupation Number of Photographers in the U.S. Salary and earnings for Photographers Working conditions for Photographers Significant points for Photographers Training requirements for Photographers Labor Information Home | Occupational data by city | Search Rainforests | Madagascar | What's new |