Media & Communications Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Photographer Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median photographer salary in Philadelphia, PA is $41,004 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$41,004
vs State Avg
+$2,412
vs National
+$804
Cost of Living
102%

Photographer Pay in Philadelphia: What to Expect (2026)

Philadelphia offers a median photographer salary of $41,004, which is $2,412 above the Pennsylvania state average of $38,592. Compared to the national median of $40,200, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia's cost of living is 102% 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 Philadelphia spans from $24,480 at the 10th percentile to $83,640 at the 90th percentile — a $59,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,520, while senior photographers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $76,500. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Photographer Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, an entry-level photographer earns around $26,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,520
+$520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,840
+$840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$76,500
+$1,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Philadelphia, PA

Percentile Philadelphia
10th Percentile $24,480
25th Percentile $30,600
Median (50th) $41,004
75th Percentile $59,160
90th Percentile $83,640

Photographer Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Allentown, PA
$37,788
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$37,386
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$35,376
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$33,768
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Photographer in Philadelphia

Education

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

Find Photographer Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open photographer positions in Philadelphia, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Photographer Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Photographer make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median photographer salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $41,004 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $40,200. Salaries range from $24,480 (10th percentile) to $83,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Photographer make per hour in Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $41,004, a photographer in Philadelphia earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for photographer pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median photographer salary of $41,004 is 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average of $38,592. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a photographer salary of $41,004 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a photographer in Philadelphia? ▼
Most photographer positions in Philadelphia 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.