Photographer Salary in Raleigh, North Carolina
The median photographer salary in Raleigh, NC is $39,396 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 6.5% above the North Carolina state average.
Photographer Pay in Raleigh: What to Expect (2026)
Raleigh offers a median photographer salary of $39,396, which is $2,412 above the North Carolina state average of $36,984. Compared to the national median of $40,200, Raleigh pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Raleigh's cost of living is 98% 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 Raleigh spans from $23,520 at the 10th percentile to $80,360 at the 90th percentile — a $56,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,480, while senior photographers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,500. With a population of 467,665, Raleigh is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Photographer Salary in Raleigh by Experience
In Raleigh, an entry-level photographer earns around $25,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Raleigh, NC
| Percentile | Raleigh |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $23,520 |
| 25th Percentile | $29,400 |
| Median (50th) | $39,396 |
| 75th Percentile | $56,840 |
| 90th Percentile | $80,360 |
Photographer Salary in Other North Carolina Cities
How to Become a Photographer in Raleigh
Education
Most photographer positions require a high school diploma. Raleigh and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Raleigh may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Photographer Jobs in Raleigh
Browse open photographer positions in Raleigh, NC: