Media & Communications Tennessee (TN) Rank #41 of 50

Photographer Salary in Tennessee

The median photographer salary in Tennessee is $35,778 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $40,200.

Median Salary
$35,778
vs National
$-4,422
State Rank
#41 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Photographer Salary in Tennessee by Experience

In Tennessee, an entry-level photographer earns around $23,140, while experienced professionals earn up to $66,750 per year. The cost of living index in Tennessee is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$23,140
$-2,860 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$37,380
$-4,620 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$66,750
$-8,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tennessee

Percentile TN Salary
10th Percentile $21,360
25th Percentile $26,700
Median (50th) $35,778
75th Percentile $51,620
90th Percentile $72,980

Photographer Salary by City in Tennessee

The largest employment areas for photographers in Tennessee include Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Nashville, TN
$40,200
Pop. 689,447 · COL 100%
Memphis, TN
$34,572
Pop. 633,104 · COL 86%
Knoxville, TN
$35,376
Pop. 190,740 · COL 88%
Chattanooga, TN
$35,376
Pop. 181,099 · COL 88%
Murfreesboro, TN
$36,984
Pop. 152,769 · COL 92%

How to Become a Photographer in Tennessee

Education

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

Key Skills

PhotographyLightroom/PhotoshopLightingCompositionPhoto EditingClient Management

Job Outlook in Tennessee

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

Find Photographer Jobs in Tennessee

Browse open photographer positions in Tennessee:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Photographer Salary in Tennessee

How much does a Photographer make in Tennessee? ▼
The median photographer salary in Tennessee is $35,778 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $40,200. Salaries range from $21,360 (10th percentile) to $72,980 (90th percentile).
How much does a Photographer make per hour in Tennessee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $35,778, a photographer in Tennessee earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Tennessee a good state for photographers? ▼
Tennessee ranks #41 out of 50 states for photographer pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level photographers earn $23,140, while senior professionals earn $66,750.
How does Tennessee compare to other states for photographer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for photographers is Hawaii at $68,340. Tennessee's median of $35,778 ranks #41 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Iowa ($35,778) and South Carolina ($35,778).
What is the entry-level photographer salary in Tennessee? ▼
An entry-level photographer in Tennessee earns approximately $23,140 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $37,380. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $66,750.
What city in Tennessee pays photographers the most? ▼
Nashville is the highest paying city in Tennessee for photographers, with a median salary of $40,200. Other cities include Memphis and Knoxville.