Media & Communications Columbia, MD Pop. 104,681

Photographer Salary in Columbia, Maryland

The median photographer salary in Columbia, MD is $47,436 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$47,436
vs State Avg
+$3,216
vs National
+$7,236
Cost of Living
118%

Photographer Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level photographer earns around $30,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,680
+$4,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,560
+$7,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,500
+$13,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MD

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $28,320
25th Percentile $35,400
Median (50th) $47,436
75th Percentile $68,440
90th Percentile $96,760

Photographer Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$49,044
Pop. 81,015
Germantown, MD
$46,230
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$43,416
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$42,210
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Photographer in Columbia

Education

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