Media & Communications Utah (UT) Rank #22 of 50

Photographer Salary in Utah

The median photographer salary in Utah is $38,994 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $40,200.

Median Salary
$38,994
vs National
$-1,206
State Rank
#22 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Photographer Salary Overview in Utah (2026)

Utah ranks #22 out of 50 states for photographer compensation. Utah falls in the middle of the pack for photographer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $38,994 per year, photographers in Utah earn $1,206 less than the national median of $40,200.

Utah's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning photographer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Utah is significant: photographers at the 10th percentile earn $23,280, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $79,540 — a $56,260 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Utah for this role is Salt Lake City, where the median reaches $41,004.

Nationally, photographer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for photographers across the country.

Photographer Salary in Utah by Experience

In Utah, an entry-level photographer earns around $25,220, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,750 per year. The cost of living index in Utah is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,220
$-780 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$40,740
$-1,260 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,750
$-2,250 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Utah

Percentile UT Salary
10th Percentile $23,280
25th Percentile $29,100
Median (50th) $38,994
75th Percentile $56,260
90th Percentile $79,540

Photographer Salary by City in Utah

The largest employment areas for photographers in Utah include Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Provo, and West Jordan. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Photographer in Utah

Education

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

Key Skills

PhotographyLightroom/PhotoshopLightingCompositionPhoto EditingClient Management

Job Outlook in Utah

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Photographer Salary in Utah

How much does a Photographer make in Utah? ▼
The median photographer salary in Utah is $38,994 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $40,200. Salaries range from $23,280 (10th percentile) to $79,540 (90th percentile).
How much does a Photographer make per hour in Utah? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $38,994, a photographer in Utah earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Utah a good state for photographers? ▼
Utah ranks #22 out of 50 states for photographer pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level photographers earn $25,220, while senior professionals earn $72,750.
How does Utah compare to other states for photographer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for photographers is Hawaii at $68,340. Utah's median of $38,994 ranks #22 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Minnesota ($38,994) and Nevada ($38,994).
What is the entry-level photographer salary in Utah? ▼
An entry-level photographer in Utah earns approximately $25,220 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $40,740. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $72,750.
What city in Utah pays photographers the most? ▼
Salt Lake City is the highest paying city in Utah for photographers, with a median salary of $41,004. Other cities include West Valley City and Provo.