Media & Communications San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Photographer Salary in San Francisco, California

The median photographer salary in San Francisco, CA is $73,164 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median and 31.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$73,164
vs State Avg
+$17,688
vs National
+$32,964
Cost of Living
182%

Photographer Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level photographer earns around $47,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $136,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,320
+$21,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$76,440
+$34,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$136,500
+$61,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $43,680
25th Percentile $54,600
Median (50th) $73,164
75th Percentile $105,560
90th Percentile $149,240

Photographer Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Photographer in San Francisco

Education

Most photographer positions require a high school diploma. San Francisco and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PhotographyLightroom/PhotoshopLightingCompositionPhoto EditingClient Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, photographer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in San Francisco may vary based on local industry and population growth.