Photographers
SOC Code: 27-4021Also known as:
Advertising Photographer, Aerial Photographer, Automotive Photographer, Biological Photographer, Biomedical Photographer
Median Annual Salary
$42,520
+1.8% growth (2024-2034)
13K
Openings/Year
151K
Current Jobs
What Photographers Do
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.
💰 Salary
$42,520
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+1.8%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
13K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
151,200
Projected Employment (2034)
154,000
Related Careers
Art directors
$111,040 •
+4.2% growth
Fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators
$60,560 •
-1.2% growth
Special effects artists and animators
$99,800 •
+1.6% growth
Graphic designers
$61,300 •
+2.1% growth
Photographic process workers and processing machine operators
$40,100 •
-2.6% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Service Orientation
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Create artificial light, using flashes and reflectors.
- Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects.
- Transfer photographs to computers for editing, archiving, and electronic transmission.
- Use traditional or digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment, such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments.
- Manipulate and enhance scanned or digital images to create desired effects, using computers and specialized software.
- Take pictures of individuals, families, and small groups, either in studio or on location.
- Enhance, retouch, and resize photographs and negatives, using airbrushing and other techniques.
- Test equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in good working order.
- Estimate or measure light levels, distances, and numbers of exposures needed, using measuring devices and formulas.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Some College
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Photographers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a photographers:
Art/Art Studies, General
18,711 degrees awarded •
730 colleges offer this program
Digital Arts
3,892 degrees awarded •
166 colleges offer this program
Visual and Performing Arts, General
3,333 degrees awarded •
267 colleges offer this program
Photography
2,066 degrees awarded •
193 colleges offer this program
Commercial Photography
899 degrees awarded •
63 colleges offer this program
Photojournalism
91 degrees awarded •
11 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Photographers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become photographers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do photographers make?
The median annual salary for photographers is $42,520.
What education do photographers need?
Most photographers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Art/Art Studies, General, Digital Arts, Visual and Performing Arts, General.
Is becoming photographers a good career choice?
Photographers is projected to see +1.8% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 12,700 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for photographers?
Top colleges for aspiring photographers include
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of California-Los Angeles, Tufts University, University of Georgia, University of California-Irvine.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to photographers?
Photographers may also be known as: Advertising Photographer, Aerial Photographer, Automotive Photographer, Biological Photographer, Biomedical Photographer, Commercial Photographer, Crime Scene Photographer, Digital Photographer, Event Photographer, Fashion Photographer, Finish Photographer, Food Photographer, Forensic Photographer, Freelance Photographer, Graduation Photographer, Industrial Photographer, Marine Photographer, Medical Photographer, Nature Photographer, Newborn Photographer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.