Photographers: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Photographers fall under the Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media category in the U.S. occupational classification. Photographers earn a median salary of $42,520 per year, ranking in the top 81% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +1.8% job growth through 2034, projected to grow slower than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a bachelor's degree, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do photographers earn?

The median annual wage for photographers is $42,520. That puts photographers at #652 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is around or below the U.S. median for individual workers, so career growth often depends on advancement into supervisory roles, specialization, or additional credentials. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is photographers a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for photographers is +1.8%, projected to grow slower than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 151K positions in 2024 to 154K in 2034, a net change of 3K. Flat growth typically reflects a mature, stable field. Most openings will come from retirements rather than new positions, which can favor candidates with strong networks and willingness to relocate.

What do photographers do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working photographers, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Adjust apertures, shutter speeds, and camera focus according to a combination of factors, such as lighting, field depth, subject motion, film type, and film speed.
2. 2.Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects.
3. 3.Enhance, retouch, and resize photographs and negatives, using airbrushing and other techniques.
4. 4.Test equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in good working order.
5. 5.Review sets of photographs to select the best work.
6. 6.Set up, mount, or install photographic equipment and cameras.
7. 7.Determine project goals, locations, and equipment needs by studying assignments and consulting with clients or advertising staff.
8. 8.Perform maintenance tasks necessary to keep equipment working properly.

Top skills for photographers

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become photographer?

The standard path into photographers begins with a bachelor's degree in a related field, followed by entry-level experience or internships during college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Art Directors
  $111,040 median
• Special Effects Artists and Animators
  $99,800 median
• Technical Writers
  $91,670 median
• Producers and Directors
  $83,480 median
• Fashion Designers
  $80,690 median
• Commercial and Industrial Designers
  $79,450 median

Common questions parents ask about photographers