Media & Communications Bismarck, ND Pop. 73,529

Photographer Salary in Bismarck, North Dakota

The median photographer salary in Bismarck, ND is $36,180 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 0.0% above the North Dakota state average.

City Median
$36,180
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-4,020
Cost of Living
90%

Photographer Pay in Bismarck: What to Expect (2026)

Bismarck offers a median photographer salary of $36,180, which is $0 above the North Dakota state average of $36,180. Compared to the national median of $40,200, Bismarck pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Bismarck'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 Bismarck 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. Bismarck is a smaller market (pop. 73,529), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Photographer Salary in Bismarck by Experience

In Bismarck, 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.

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

Salary Percentiles in Bismarck, ND

Percentile Bismarck
10th Percentile $21,600
25th Percentile $27,000
Median (50th) $36,180
75th Percentile $52,200
90th Percentile $73,800

Photographer Salary in Other North Dakota Cities

How to Become a Photographer in Bismarck

Education

Most photographer positions require a high school diploma. Bismarck and the surrounding North Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PhotographyLightroom/PhotoshopLightingCompositionPhoto EditingClient Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, photographer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Bismarck may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Photographer Jobs in Bismarck

Browse open photographer positions in Bismarck, ND:

Frequently Asked Questions: Photographer Salary in Bismarck

How much does a Photographer make in Bismarck, ND? ▼
The median photographer salary in Bismarck, North Dakota 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 Bismarck? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $36,180, a photographer in Bismarck earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Bismarck compare to the North Dakota state average for photographer pay? ▼
Bismarck's median photographer salary of $36,180 is 0.0% above the North Dakota state average of $36,180. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Bismarck, ND? ▼
Bismarck has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a photographer salary of $36,180 in Bismarck has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a photographer in Bismarck? ▼
Most photographer positions in Bismarck require a high school diploma. Key skills include Photography, Lightroom/Photoshop, Lighting, Composition. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.