Media & Communications Nebraska (NE) Rank #36 of 50

Photographer Salary in Nebraska

The median photographer salary in Nebraska 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
#36 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Photographer Salary Overview in Nebraska (2026)

Nebraska ranks #36 out of 50 states for photographer compensation. Photographer salaries in Nebraska are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $36,180 per year, photographers in Nebraska earn $4,020 less than the national median of $40,200.

A key advantage of working in Nebraska is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $36,180 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $40,200 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Nebraska is significant: photographers at the 10th percentile earn $21,600, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $73,800 — a $52,200 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Nebraska for this role is Omaha, where the median reaches $37,386.

Nationally, photographer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for photographers across the country.

Photographer Salary in Nebraska by Experience

In Nebraska, an entry-level photographer earns around $23,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $67,500 per year. The cost of living index in Nebraska 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

Save More on Student Loans

Earning $36,180? You may qualify for student loan refinancing rates as low as 4.49% — potentially saving $14,000+ over the life of your loan.

Check Your Rate — No Credit Impact →

Salary Percentiles in Nebraska

Percentile NE 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 Nebraska

The largest employment areas for photographers in Nebraska include Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, and Grand Island. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Photographer in Nebraska

Education

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

Key Skills

PhotographyLightroom/PhotoshopLightingCompositionPhoto EditingClient Management

Job Outlook in Nebraska

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

Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay

Data shows Photographers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $31,320 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Photographer Roles in Nebraska?

Get matched with recruiters hiring photographers in Nebraska at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Photographer Salary in Nebraska

How much does a Photographer make in Nebraska? ▼
The median photographer salary in Nebraska 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 Nebraska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $36,180, a photographer in Nebraska earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Nebraska a good state for photographers? ▼
Nebraska ranks #36 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 Nebraska compare to other states for photographer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for photographers is Hawaii at $68,340. Nebraska's median of $36,180 ranks #36 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Indiana ($36,180) and Michigan ($36,180).
What is the entry-level photographer salary in Nebraska? ▼
An entry-level photographer in Nebraska 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 Nebraska pays photographers the most? ▼
Omaha is the highest paying city in Nebraska for photographers, with a median salary of $37,386. Other cities include Lincoln and Bellevue.