Media & Communications Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Photographer Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median photographer salary in Chicago, IL is $43,014 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$43,014
vs State Avg
+$4,824
vs National
+$2,814
Cost of Living
107%

Photographer Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level photographer earns around $27,820, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,820
+$1,820 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,940
+$2,940 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,250
+$5,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $25,680
25th Percentile $32,100
Median (50th) $43,014
75th Percentile $62,060
90th Percentile $87,740

Photographer Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$43,416
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$38,190
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$34,170
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$32,964
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Photographer in Chicago

Education

Most photographer positions require a high school diploma. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois 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 Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Photographer Jobs in Chicago

Browse open photographer positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Photographer Salary in Chicago

How much does a Photographer make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median photographer salary in Chicago, Illinois is $43,014 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $40,200. Salaries range from $25,680 (10th percentile) to $87,740 (90th percentile).
How much does a Photographer make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,014, a photographer in Chicago earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for photographer pay? ▼
Chicago's median photographer salary of $43,014 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $38,190. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a photographer salary of $43,014 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a photographer in Chicago? ▼
Most photographer positions in Chicago require a high school diploma. Key skills include Photography, Lightroom/Photoshop, Lighting, Composition. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.