Media & Communications Michigan (MI) Rank #35 of 50

Photographer Salary in Michigan

The median photographer salary in Michigan is $36,180 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $40,200.

Median Salary
$36,180
vs National
$-4,020
State Rank
#35 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Photographer Salary in Michigan by Experience

In Michigan, an entry-level photographer earns around $23,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $67,500 per year. The cost of living index in Michigan is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$23,400
$-2,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$37,800
$-4,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$67,500
$-7,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Michigan

Percentile MI Salary
10th Percentile $21,600
25th Percentile $27,000
Median (50th) $36,180
75th Percentile $52,200
90th Percentile $73,800

Photographer Salary by City in Michigan

The largest employment areas for photographers in Michigan include Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Warren. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Detroit, MI
$35,376
Pop. 639,111 · COL 88%
Grand Rapids, MI
$36,180
Pop. 198,917 · COL 90%
Ann Arbor, MI
$42,210
Pop. 123,851 · COL 105%
Warren, MI
$35,376
Pop. 139,387 · COL 88%
Lansing, MI
$34,572
Pop. 112,644 · COL 86%

How to Become a Photographer in Michigan

Education

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

Key Skills

PhotographyLightroom/PhotoshopLightingCompositionPhoto EditingClient Management

Job Outlook in Michigan

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

Find Photographer Jobs in Michigan

Browse open photographer positions in Michigan:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Photographer Salary in Michigan

How much does a Photographer make in Michigan? ▼
The median photographer salary in Michigan is $36,180 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $40,200. Salaries range from $21,600 (10th percentile) to $73,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Photographer make per hour in Michigan? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $36,180, a photographer in Michigan earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Michigan a good state for photographers? ▼
Michigan ranks #35 out of 50 states for photographer pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level photographers earn $23,400, while senior professionals earn $67,500.
How does Michigan compare to other states for photographer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for photographers is Hawaii at $68,340. Michigan's median of $36,180 ranks #35 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Louisiana ($36,582) and Indiana ($36,180).
What is the entry-level photographer salary in Michigan? ▼
An entry-level photographer in Michigan earns approximately $23,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $37,800. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $67,500.
What city in Michigan pays photographers the most? ▼
Ann Arbor is the highest paying city in Michigan for photographers, with a median salary of $42,210. Other cities include Detroit and Grand Rapids.