Media & Communications Kansas (KS) Rank #45 of 50

Photographer Salary in Kansas

The median photographer salary in Kansas is $34,974 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $40,200.

Median Salary
$34,974
vs National
$-5,226
State Rank
#45 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Photographer Salary Overview in Kansas (2026)

Kansas ranks #45 out of 50 states for photographer compensation. Photographer salaries in Kansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $34,974 per year, photographers in Kansas earn $5,226 less than the national median of $40,200.

A key advantage of working in Kansas is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $34,974 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $40,200 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Kansas is significant: photographers at the 10th percentile earn $20,880, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $71,340 — a $50,460 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Kansas for this role is Overland Park, where the median reaches $38,592.

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 Kansas by Experience

In Kansas, an entry-level photographer earns around $22,620, while experienced professionals earn up to $65,250 per year. The cost of living index in Kansas is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$22,620
$-3,380 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$36,540
$-5,460 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$65,250
$-9,750 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Kansas

Percentile KS Salary
10th Percentile $20,880
25th Percentile $26,100
Median (50th) $34,974
75th Percentile $50,460
90th Percentile $71,340

Photographer Salary by City in Kansas

The largest employment areas for photographers in Kansas include Wichita, Overland Park, Kansas City, and Topeka. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Photographer in Kansas

Education

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

Key Skills

PhotographyLightroom/PhotoshopLightingCompositionPhoto EditingClient Management

Job Outlook in Kansas

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Photographer Salary in Kansas

How much does a Photographer make in Kansas? ▼
The median photographer salary in Kansas is $34,974 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $40,200. Salaries range from $20,880 (10th percentile) to $71,340 (90th percentile).
How much does a Photographer make per hour in Kansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $34,974, a photographer in Kansas earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kansas a good state for photographers? ▼
Kansas ranks #45 out of 50 states for photographer pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level photographers earn $22,620, while senior professionals earn $65,250.
How does Kansas compare to other states for photographer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for photographers is Hawaii at $68,340. Kansas's median of $34,974 ranks #45 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Dakota ($35,376) and Alabama ($34,974).
What is the entry-level photographer salary in Kansas? ▼
An entry-level photographer in Kansas earns approximately $22,620 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $36,540. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $65,250.
What city in Kansas pays photographers the most? ▼
Overland Park is the highest paying city in Kansas for photographers, with a median salary of $38,592. Other cities include Wichita and Kansas City.