Media & Communications Saint Paul, MN Pop. 311,527

Photographer Salary in Saint Paul, Minnesota

The median photographer salary in Saint Paul, MN is $40,200 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 3.1% above the Minnesota state average.

City Median
$40,200
vs State Avg
+$1,206
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Photographer Pay in Saint Paul: What to Expect (2026)

Saint Paul offers a median photographer salary of $40,200, which is $1,206 above the Minnesota state average of $38,994. Compared to the national median of $40,200, Saint Paul pays above average for this role.

Saint Paul's cost of living is 100% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for photographers in Saint Paul spans from $24,000 at the 10th percentile to $82,000 at the 90th percentile — a $58,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,000, while senior photographers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,000. With a population of 311,527, Saint Paul is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Photographer Salary in Saint Paul by Experience

In Saint Paul, an entry-level photographer earns around $26,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Saint Paul, MN

Percentile Saint Paul
10th Percentile $24,000
25th Percentile $30,000
Median (50th) $40,200
75th Percentile $58,000
90th Percentile $82,000

Photographer Salary in Other Minnesota Cities

How to Become a Photographer in Saint Paul

Education

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

Find Photographer Jobs in Saint Paul

Browse open photographer positions in Saint Paul, MN:

Frequently Asked Questions: Photographer Salary in Saint Paul

How much does a Photographer make in Saint Paul, MN? ▼
The median photographer salary in Saint Paul, Minnesota is $40,200 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $40,200. Salaries range from $24,000 (10th percentile) to $82,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Photographer make per hour in Saint Paul? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $40,200, a photographer in Saint Paul earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Saint Paul compare to the Minnesota state average for photographer pay? ▼
Saint Paul's median photographer salary of $40,200 is 3.1% above the Minnesota state average of $38,994. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Saint Paul, MN? ▼
Saint Paul has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a photographer salary of $40,200 in Saint Paul has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a photographer in Saint Paul? ▼
Most photographer positions in Saint Paul 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.