Media & Communications Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

Photographer Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median photographer salary in Cambridge, MA is $64,320 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$64,320
vs State Avg
+$10,050
vs National
+$24,120
Cost of Living
160%

Photographer Pay in Cambridge: What to Expect (2026)

Cambridge offers a median photographer salary of $64,320, which is $10,050 above the Massachusetts state average of $54,270. Compared to the national median of $40,200, Cambridge pays above average for this role.

However, Cambridge's cost of living index is 160%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $64,320 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $40,200. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for photographers in Cambridge spans from $38,400 at the 10th percentile to $131,200 at the 90th percentile — a $92,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,600, while senior photographers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $120,000. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Photographer Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level photographer earns around $41,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $120,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,600
+$15,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,200
+$25,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$120,000
+$45,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $38,400
25th Percentile $48,000
Median (50th) $64,320
75th Percentile $92,800
90th Percentile $131,200

Photographer Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$61,104
Pop. 675,647
Worcester, MA
$44,220
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$42,210
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$39,396
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Photographer in Cambridge

Education

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

Find Photographer Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open photographer positions in Cambridge, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Photographer Salary in Cambridge

How much does a Photographer make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median photographer salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $64,320 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $40,200. Salaries range from $38,400 (10th percentile) to $131,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Photographer make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,320, a photographer in Cambridge earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cambridge compare to the Massachusetts state average for photographer pay? ▼
Cambridge's median photographer salary of $64,320 is 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average of $54,270. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cambridge, MA? ▼
Cambridge has a cost of living index of 160% compared to the national average. This means a photographer salary of $64,320 in Cambridge has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a photographer in Cambridge? ▼
Most photographer positions in Cambridge 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.