Media & Communications Pennsylvania (PA) Rank #23 of 50

Photographer Salary in Pennsylvania

The median photographer salary in Pennsylvania is $38,592 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $40,200.

Median Salary
$38,592
vs National
$-1,608
State Rank
#23 of 50
Cost of Living
96%

Photographer Salary in Pennsylvania by Experience

In Pennsylvania, an entry-level photographer earns around $24,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,000 per year. The cost of living index in Pennsylvania is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,960
$-1,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$40,320
$-1,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,000
$-3,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Pennsylvania

Percentile PA Salary
10th Percentile $23,040
25th Percentile $28,800
Median (50th) $38,592
75th Percentile $55,680
90th Percentile $78,720

Photographer Salary by City in Pennsylvania

The largest employment areas for photographers in Pennsylvania include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Reading. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Philadelphia, PA
$41,004
Pop. 1,603,797 · COL 102%
Pittsburgh, PA
$37,386
Pop. 302,971 · COL 93%
Allentown, PA
$37,788
Pop. 126,092 · COL 94%
Reading, PA
$35,376
Pop. 95,112 · COL 88%
Erie, PA
$33,768
Pop. 94,831 · COL 84%

How to Become a Photographer in Pennsylvania

Education

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

Key Skills

PhotographyLightroom/PhotoshopLightingCompositionPhoto EditingClient Management

Job Outlook in Pennsylvania

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

Find Photographer Jobs in Pennsylvania

Browse open photographer positions in Pennsylvania:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Photographer Salary in Pennsylvania

How much does a Photographer make in Pennsylvania? ▼
The median photographer salary in Pennsylvania is $38,592 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $40,200. Salaries range from $23,040 (10th percentile) to $78,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Photographer make per hour in Pennsylvania? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $38,592, a photographer in Pennsylvania earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for photographers? ▼
Pennsylvania ranks #23 out of 50 states for photographer pay. The cost of living index is 96% of the national average. Entry-level photographers earn $24,960, while senior professionals earn $72,000.
How does Pennsylvania compare to other states for photographer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for photographers is Hawaii at $68,340. Pennsylvania's median of $38,592 ranks #23 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Nevada ($38,994) and Utah ($38,994).
What is the entry-level photographer salary in Pennsylvania? ▼
An entry-level photographer in Pennsylvania earns approximately $24,960 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $40,320. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $72,000.
What city in Pennsylvania pays photographers the most? ▼
Philadelphia is the highest paying city in Pennsylvania for photographers, with a median salary of $41,004. Other cities include Pittsburgh and Allentown.