Media & Communications Akron, OH Pop. 190,469

Photographer Salary in Akron, Ohio

The median photographer salary in Akron, OH is $33,768 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 6.7% below the Ohio state average.

City Median
$33,768
vs State Avg
$-2,412
vs National
$-6,432
Cost of Living
84%

Photographer Pay in Akron: What to Expect (2026)

Akron offers a median photographer salary of $33,768, which is $2,412 below the Ohio state average of $36,180. Compared to the national median of $40,200, Akron pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Akron's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $33,768 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $40,200 in an average-cost city. This makes Akron an attractive option for photographers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for photographers in Akron spans from $20,160 at the 10th percentile to $68,880 at the 90th percentile — a $48,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $21,840, while senior photographers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $63,000. With a population of 190,469, Akron is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Photographer Salary in Akron by Experience

In Akron, an entry-level photographer earns around $21,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $63,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$21,840
$-4,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$35,280
$-6,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$63,000
$-12,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Akron, OH

Percentile Akron
10th Percentile $20,160
25th Percentile $25,200
Median (50th) $33,768
75th Percentile $48,720
90th Percentile $68,880

Photographer Salary in Other Ohio Cities

How to Become a Photographer in Akron

Education

Most photographer positions require a high school diploma. Akron and the surrounding Ohio 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 Akron may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Photographer Jobs in Akron

Browse open photographer positions in Akron, OH:

Frequently Asked Questions: Photographer Salary in Akron

How much does a Photographer make in Akron, OH? ▼
The median photographer salary in Akron, Ohio is $33,768 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $40,200. Salaries range from $20,160 (10th percentile) to $68,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Photographer make per hour in Akron? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $33,768, a photographer in Akron earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Akron compare to the Ohio state average for photographer pay? ▼
Akron's median photographer salary of $33,768 is 6.7% below the Ohio state average of $36,180. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Akron, OH? ▼
Akron has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a photographer salary of $33,768 in Akron has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a photographer in Akron? ▼
Most photographer positions in Akron 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.