Media & Communications North Carolina (NC) Rank #29 of 50

Photographer Salary in North Carolina

The median photographer salary in North Carolina is $36,984 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $40,200.

Median Salary
$36,984
vs National
$-3,216
State Rank
#29 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Photographer Salary in North Carolina by Experience

In North Carolina, an entry-level photographer earns around $23,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $69,000 per year. The cost of living index in North Carolina 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 North Carolina

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

Photographer Salary by City in North Carolina

The largest employment areas for photographers in North Carolina include Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Greensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Charlotte, NC
$39,396
Pop. 874,579 · COL 98%
Raleigh, NC
$39,396
Pop. 467,665 · COL 98%
Durham, NC
$38,190
Pop. 283,506 · COL 95%
Greensboro, NC
$35,376
Pop. 299,035 · COL 88%
Winston-Salem, NC
$34,572
Pop. 249,545 · COL 86%

How to Become a Photographer in North Carolina

Education

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

Key Skills

PhotographyLightroom/PhotoshopLightingCompositionPhoto EditingClient Management

Job Outlook in North Carolina

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

Find Photographer Jobs in North Carolina

Browse open photographer positions in North Carolina:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Photographer Salary in North Carolina

How much does a Photographer make in North Carolina? ▼
The median photographer salary in North Carolina 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 North Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $36,984, a photographer in North Carolina earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Carolina a good state for photographers? ▼
North Carolina ranks #29 out of 50 states for photographer pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level photographers earn $23,920, while senior professionals earn $69,000.
How does North Carolina compare to other states for photographer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for photographers is Hawaii at $68,340. North Carolina's median of $36,984 ranks #29 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Georgia ($37,386) and New Mexico ($37,386).
What is the entry-level photographer salary in North Carolina? ▼
An entry-level photographer in North Carolina earns approximately $23,920 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $38,640. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $69,000.
What city in North Carolina pays photographers the most? ▼
Charlotte is the highest paying city in North Carolina for photographers, with a median salary of $39,396. Other cities include Raleigh and Durham.