Media & Communications California (CA) Rank #2 of 50

Photographer Salary in California

The median photographer salary in California is $55,476 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $40,200.

Median Salary
$55,476
vs National
+$15,276
State Rank
#2 of 50
Cost of Living
138%

Photographer Salary in California by Experience

In California, an entry-level photographer earns around $35,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,500 per year. The cost of living index in California is 138% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,880
+$9,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,960
+$15,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,500
+$28,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in California

Percentile CA Salary
10th Percentile $33,120
25th Percentile $41,400
Median (50th) $55,476
75th Percentile $80,040
90th Percentile $113,160

Photographer Salary by City in California

The largest employment areas for photographers in California include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Los Angeles, CA
$58,692
Pop. 3,898,747 · COL 146%
San Francisco, CA
$73,164
Pop. 873,965 · COL 182%
San Diego, CA
$57,084
Pop. 1,386,932 · COL 142%
San Jose, CA
$67,536
Pop. 1,013,240 · COL 168%
Sacramento, CA
$47,436
Pop. 524,943 · COL 118%

How to Become a Photographer in California

Education

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

Key Skills

PhotographyLightroom/PhotoshopLightingCompositionPhoto EditingClient Management

Job Outlook in California

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

Find Photographer Jobs in California

Browse open photographer positions in California:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Photographer Salary in California

How much does a Photographer make in California? ▼
The median photographer salary in California is $55,476 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $40,200. Salaries range from $33,120 (10th percentile) to $113,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Photographer make per hour in California? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,476, a photographer in California earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is California a good state for photographers? ▼
California ranks #2 out of 50 states for photographer pay. The cost of living index is 138% of the national average. Entry-level photographers earn $35,880, while senior professionals earn $103,500.
How does California compare to other states for photographer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for photographers is Hawaii at $68,340. California's median of $55,476 ranks #2 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($68,340) and Massachusetts ($54,270).
What is the entry-level photographer salary in California? ▼
An entry-level photographer in California earns approximately $35,880 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $57,960. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $103,500.
What city in California pays photographers the most? ▼
San Francisco is the highest paying city in California for photographers, with a median salary of $73,164. Other cities include Los Angeles and San Diego.