Photographers take pictures to document an event, tell a story or express creativity. They typically need a high-end professional camera and the expertise to use the device. Although digital cameras are the norm, some photographers still use film cameras and know how to use the chemicals and techniques to produce non-digital photographs. Some photographers are also expert in using software to crop, enhance or store their creations. More than half of all photographers are self-employed, a higher percentage than most professions.Experience
- According to The PayScale Report and as of May 2010, photographers average a beginning yearly salary of $25,000 to $37,500. At one to four years of experience, they make $24,151 to $39,905 and at five to nine years, they earn $24,650 to $44,169. At 10 to 19 years of experience, they receive $29,479 to $46,255 and at 20 years or more, they earn $28,641 to $58,997.
Employer
- The type of employer has a big effect on salary, with self-employed professional photographers showing the greatest range at $19,743 to $50,838. Those working for the federal government earn $33,500 to $49,938 while those in state and local jurisdictions get $32,323 to $51,000. Photographers working for colleges and universities receive $29,419 to $51,451 while those who work for companies gets $25,517 to $44,818. Finally, those in private photography firms average $25,000 to $41,494 while those employed by nonprofit organizations are compensated at $35,371 to $44,219.
Location
- Geography can determine pay, with New Yorkers receiving $33,939 to $51,520 and photographers in San Diego making $37,800 to $48,000. Those in Chicago show a wide range at $20,347 to $58,958 while those in Seattle are paid $23,583 to $45,000. Finally, those in Indianapolis earn $29,479 to $38,660 while those in St. Louis get $32,411 to $56,500. As for states, Texas shows the greatest range and the highest salaries at $23,583 to $63,000, followed closely at the upper level by California at $30,000 to $51,601 and New York at $29,478 to $51,116. North Carolina shows salaries of $17,687 to $40,521 and Illinois pays $19,888 to $45,781.
Other
- At $26,532 to $51,619, men earn more than women, who average $22,178 to $40,167. Though the profession does not typically require any kind of a degree, college diplomas can produce higher pay. For example, a photographer with a bachelor of arts degree in photography can earn $24,000 to $36,630, an associate of applied science degree-holder can earn $22,000 to $47,583 and a professional with a bachelor of fine arts in photography can be compensated at $23,500 to $49,500.
Outlook
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is expected to grow by 12 percent from 2008 to 2018, which is about as fast as average for all professions. As the population grows, so will the demand for portrait photographers. The growth of online versions of print magazines will also increase the need for commercial photographers to provide digital images. However, competition is expected to be fierce as the falling costs of digital photography make the technology available to nearly everyone.
Read more: Photographer Salary Information | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_6505682_photographer-salary-information.html#ixzz1gjN1AEPX
