Photographer Salary in Saint Louis, Missouri
The median photographer salary in Saint Louis, MO is $36,180 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the Missouri state average.
Photographer Pay in Saint Louis: What to Expect (2026)
Saint Louis offers a median photographer salary of $36,180, which is $804 above the Missouri state average of $35,376. Compared to the national median of $40,200, Saint Louis pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Saint Louis's cost of living is 90% 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 Louis spans from $21,600 at the 10th percentile to $73,800 at the 90th percentile — a $52,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $23,400, while senior photographers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $67,500. With a population of 301,578, Saint Louis is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Photographer Salary in Saint Louis by Experience
In Saint Louis, an entry-level photographer earns around $23,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $67,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Saint Louis, MO
| Percentile | Saint Louis |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $21,600 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,000 |
| Median (50th) | $36,180 |
| 75th Percentile | $52,200 |
| 90th Percentile | $73,800 |
Photographer Salary in Other Missouri Cities
How to Become a Photographer in Saint Louis
Education
Most photographer positions require a high school diploma. Saint Louis and the surrounding Missouri area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, photographer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Saint Louis may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Photographer Jobs in Saint Louis
Browse open photographer positions in Saint Louis, MO: