Media & Communications Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Photographer Salary in Arkansas

The median photographer salary in Arkansas is $33,768 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $40,200.

Median Salary
$33,768
vs National
$-6,432
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Photographer Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for photographer compensation. Photographer salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $33,768 per year, photographers in Arkansas earn $6,432 less than the national median of $40,200.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $33,768 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $40,200 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: photographers at the 10th percentile earn $20,160, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $68,880 — a $48,720 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arkansas for this role is Fayetteville, where the median reaches $35,376.

Nationally, photographer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for photographers across the country.

Photographer Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level photographer earns around $21,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $63,000 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$21,840
$-4,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$35,280
$-6,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$63,000
$-12,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $20,160
25th Percentile $25,200
Median (50th) $33,768
75th Percentile $48,720
90th Percentile $68,880

Photographer Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for photographers in Arkansas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Springdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Photographer in Arkansas

Education

Most photographer positions require a high school diploma. Arkansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PhotographyLightroom/PhotoshopLightingCompositionPhoto EditingClient Management

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, photographer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Photographer Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Photographer make in Arkansas? ▼
The median photographer salary in Arkansas is $33,768 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $40,200. Salaries range from $20,160 (10th percentile) to $68,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Photographer make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $33,768, a photographer in Arkansas earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for photographers? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for photographer pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level photographers earn $21,840, while senior professionals earn $63,000.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for photographer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for photographers is Hawaii at $68,340. Arkansas's median of $33,768 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($34,974) and Oklahoma ($34,572).
What is the entry-level photographer salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level photographer in Arkansas earns approximately $21,840 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $35,280. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $63,000.
What city in Arkansas pays photographers the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for photographers, with a median salary of $35,376. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.