Media & Communications Colorado (CO) Rank #11 of 50

Photographer Salary in Colorado

The median photographer salary in Colorado is $42,210 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $40,200.

Median Salary
$42,210
vs National
+$2,010
State Rank
#11 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Photographer Salary in Colorado by Experience

In Colorado, an entry-level photographer earns around $27,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,750 per year. The cost of living index in Colorado is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,300
+$1,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,100
+$2,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$78,750
+$3,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Colorado

Percentile CO Salary
10th Percentile $25,200
25th Percentile $31,500
Median (50th) $42,210
75th Percentile $60,900
90th Percentile $86,100

Photographer Salary by City in Colorado

The largest employment areas for photographers in Colorado include Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Denver, CO
$45,024
Pop. 715,522 · COL 112%
Colorado Springs, CO
$40,200
Pop. 478,961 · COL 100%
Aurora, CO
$42,210
Pop. 386,261 · COL 105%
Fort Collins, CO
$42,612
Pop. 169,810 · COL 106%
Boulder, CO
$51,456
Pop. 105,673 · COL 128%

How to Become a Photographer in Colorado

Education

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

Key Skills

PhotographyLightroom/PhotoshopLightingCompositionPhoto EditingClient Management

Job Outlook in Colorado

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

Find Photographer Jobs in Colorado

Browse open photographer positions in Colorado:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Photographer Salary in Colorado

How much does a Photographer make in Colorado? ▼
The median photographer salary in Colorado is $42,210 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $40,200. Salaries range from $25,200 (10th percentile) to $86,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Photographer make per hour in Colorado? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,210, a photographer in Colorado earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Colorado a good state for photographers? ▼
Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for photographer pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level photographers earn $27,300, while senior professionals earn $78,750.
How does Colorado compare to other states for photographer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for photographers is Hawaii at $68,340. Colorado's median of $42,210 ranks #11 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Maryland ($44,220) and Oregon ($44,220).
What is the entry-level photographer salary in Colorado? ▼
An entry-level photographer in Colorado earns approximately $27,300 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $44,100. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $78,750.
What city in Colorado pays photographers the most? ▼
Boulder is the highest paying city in Colorado for photographers, with a median salary of $51,456. Other cities include Denver and Colorado Springs.