Media & Communications Idaho (ID) Rank #26 of 50

Photographer Salary in Idaho

The median photographer salary in Idaho is $37,788 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $40,200.

Median Salary
$37,788
vs National
$-2,412
State Rank
#26 of 50
Cost of Living
94%

Photographer Salary Overview in Idaho (2026)

Idaho ranks #26 out of 50 states for photographer compensation. Photographer salaries in Idaho are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $37,788 per year, photographers in Idaho earn $2,412 less than the national median of $40,200.

A key advantage of working in Idaho is its below-average cost of living (94% of the national index). This means the $37,788 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $40,200 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Idaho is significant: photographers at the 10th percentile earn $22,560, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $77,080 — a $54,520 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Idaho for this role is Boise, where the median reaches $40,200.

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 Idaho by Experience

In Idaho, an entry-level photographer earns around $24,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,500 per year. The cost of living index in Idaho is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,440
$-1,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$39,480
$-2,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,500
$-4,500 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Idaho

Percentile ID Salary
10th Percentile $22,560
25th Percentile $28,200
Median (50th) $37,788
75th Percentile $54,520
90th Percentile $77,080

Photographer Salary by City in Idaho

The largest employment areas for photographers in Idaho include Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Idaho Falls. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Photographer in Idaho

Education

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

Key Skills

PhotographyLightroom/PhotoshopLightingCompositionPhoto EditingClient Management

Job Outlook in Idaho

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Photographer Salary in Idaho

How much does a Photographer make in Idaho? ▼
The median photographer salary in Idaho is $37,788 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $40,200. Salaries range from $22,560 (10th percentile) to $77,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Photographer make per hour in Idaho? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $37,788, a photographer in Idaho earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Idaho a good state for photographers? ▼
Idaho ranks #26 out of 50 states for photographer pay. The cost of living index is 94% of the national average. Entry-level photographers earn $24,440, while senior professionals earn $70,500.
How does Idaho compare to other states for photographer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for photographers is Hawaii at $68,340. Idaho's median of $37,788 ranks #26 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Illinois ($38,190) and Montana ($38,190).
What is the entry-level photographer salary in Idaho? ▼
An entry-level photographer in Idaho earns approximately $24,440 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $39,480. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $70,500.
What city in Idaho pays photographers the most? ▼
Boise is the highest paying city in Idaho for photographers, with a median salary of $40,200. Other cities include Meridian and Nampa.