Media & Communications Kentucky (KY) Rank #46 of 50

Photographer Salary in Kentucky

The median photographer salary in Kentucky 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
#46 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Photographer Salary in Kentucky by Experience

In Kentucky, an entry-level photographer earns around $22,620, while experienced professionals earn up to $65,250 per year. The cost of living index in Kentucky 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

Salary Percentiles in Kentucky

Percentile KY 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 Kentucky

The largest employment areas for photographers in Kentucky include Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Owensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Louisville, KY
$36,984
Pop. 633,045 · COL 92%
Lexington, KY
$37,386
Pop. 322,570 · COL 93%
Bowling Green, KY
$33,768
Pop. 74,735 · COL 84%
Owensboro, KY
$32,964
Pop. 60,183 · COL 82%
Covington, KY
$35,376
Pop. 40,961 · COL 88%

How to Become a Photographer in Kentucky

Education

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

Key Skills

PhotographyLightroom/PhotoshopLightingCompositionPhoto EditingClient Management

Job Outlook in Kentucky

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

Find Photographer Jobs in Kentucky

Browse open photographer positions in Kentucky:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Photographer Salary in Kentucky

How much does a Photographer make in Kentucky? ▼
The median photographer salary in Kentucky 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 Kentucky? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $34,974, a photographer in Kentucky earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kentucky a good state for photographers? ▼
Kentucky ranks #46 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 Kentucky compare to other states for photographer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for photographers is Hawaii at $68,340. Kentucky's median of $34,974 ranks #46 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alabama ($34,974) and Kansas ($34,974).
What is the entry-level photographer salary in Kentucky? ▼
An entry-level photographer in Kentucky 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 Kentucky pays photographers the most? ▼
Lexington is the highest paying city in Kentucky for photographers, with a median salary of $37,386. Other cities include Louisville and Bowling Green.