Media & Communications New York (NY) Rank #5 of 50

Photographer Salary in New York

The median photographer salary in New York is $49,044 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $40,200.

Median Salary
$49,044
vs National
+$8,844
State Rank
#5 of 50
Cost of Living
122%

Photographer Salary in New York by Experience

In New York, an entry-level photographer earns around $31,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $91,500 per year. The cost of living index in New York is 122% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,720
+$5,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,240
+$9,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$91,500
+$16,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in New York

Percentile NY Salary
10th Percentile $29,280
25th Percentile $36,600
Median (50th) $49,044
75th Percentile $70,760
90th Percentile $100,040

Photographer Salary by City in New York

The largest employment areas for photographers in New York include New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, and Yonkers. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

New York City, NY
$75,174
Pop. 8,336,817 · COL 187%
Buffalo, NY
$36,984
Pop. 278,349 · COL 92%
Rochester, NY
$36,180
Pop. 211,328 · COL 90%
Yonkers, NY
$54,270
Pop. 211,569 · COL 135%
Albany, NY
$39,396
Pop. 99,224 · COL 98%

How to Become a Photographer in New York

Education

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

Key Skills

PhotographyLightroom/PhotoshopLightingCompositionPhoto EditingClient Management

Job Outlook in New York

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

Find Photographer Jobs in New York

Browse open photographer positions in New York:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Photographer Salary in New York

How much does a Photographer make in New York? ▼
The median photographer salary in New York is $49,044 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $40,200. Salaries range from $29,280 (10th percentile) to $100,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Photographer make per hour in New York? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,044, a photographer in New York earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New York a good state for photographers? ▼
New York ranks #5 out of 50 states for photographer pay. The cost of living index is 122% of the national average. Entry-level photographers earn $31,720, while senior professionals earn $91,500.
How does New York compare to other states for photographer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for photographers is Hawaii at $68,340. New York's median of $49,044 ranks #5 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Massachusetts ($54,270) and Alaska ($49,848).
What is the entry-level photographer salary in New York? ▼
An entry-level photographer in New York earns approximately $31,720 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $51,240. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $91,500.
What city in New York pays photographers the most? ▼
New York City is the highest paying city in New York for photographers, with a median salary of $75,174. Other cities include Buffalo and Rochester.