Media & Communications Kansas City, MO Pop. 508,090

Photographer Salary in Kansas City, Missouri

The median photographer salary in Kansas City, MO is $36,984 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 4.5% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$36,984
vs State Avg
+$1,608
vs National
$-3,216
Cost of Living
92%

Photographer Pay in Kansas City: What to Expect (2026)

Kansas City offers a median photographer salary of $36,984, which is $1,608 above the Missouri state average of $35,376. Compared to the national median of $40,200, Kansas City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Kansas City's cost of living is 92% 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 Kansas City spans from $22,080 at the 10th percentile to $75,440 at the 90th percentile — a $53,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $23,920, while senior photographers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $69,000. As a major metro area with a population of 508,090, Kansas City typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Photographer Salary in Kansas City by Experience

In Kansas City, an entry-level photographer earns around $23,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $69,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$23,920
$-2,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$38,640
$-3,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$69,000
$-6,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kansas City, MO

Percentile Kansas City
10th Percentile $22,080
25th Percentile $27,600
Median (50th) $36,984
75th Percentile $53,360
90th Percentile $75,440

Photographer Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Saint Louis, MO
$36,180
Pop. 301,578
Columbia, MO
$35,376
Pop. 126,254
Independence, MO
$34,170
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$32,964
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Photographer in Kansas City

Education

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

Find Photographer Jobs in Kansas City

Browse open photographer positions in Kansas City, MO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Photographer Salary in Kansas City

How much does a Photographer make in Kansas City, MO? ▼
The median photographer salary in Kansas City, Missouri is $36,984 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $40,200. Salaries range from $22,080 (10th percentile) to $75,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Photographer make per hour in Kansas City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $36,984, a photographer in Kansas City earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kansas City compare to the Missouri state average for photographer pay? ▼
Kansas City's median photographer salary of $36,984 is 4.5% above the Missouri state average of $35,376. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kansas City, MO? ▼
Kansas City has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a photographer salary of $36,984 in Kansas City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a photographer in Kansas City? ▼
Most photographer positions in Kansas City 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.