Media & Communications Vermont (VT) Rank #16 of 50

Photographer Salary in Vermont

The median photographer salary in Vermont is $40,602 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $40,200.

Median Salary
$40,602
vs National
+$402
State Rank
#16 of 50
Cost of Living
101%

Photographer Salary Overview in Vermont (2026)

Vermont ranks #16 out of 50 states for photographer compensation. Vermont falls in the middle of the pack for photographer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $40,602 per year, photographers in Vermont earn $402 more than the national median of $40,200.

Vermont's cost of living is near the national average at 101%, meaning photographer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Vermont is significant: photographers at the 10th percentile earn $24,240, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $82,820 — a $58,580 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Vermont for this role is Burlington, where the median reaches $44,220.

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 Vermont by Experience

In Vermont, an entry-level photographer earns around $26,260, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,750 per year. The cost of living index in Vermont is 101% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,260
+$260 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,420
+$420 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,750
+$750 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Vermont

Percentile VT Salary
10th Percentile $24,240
25th Percentile $30,300
Median (50th) $40,602
75th Percentile $58,580
90th Percentile $82,820

Photographer Salary by City in Vermont

The largest employment areas for photographers in Vermont include Burlington, Essex, South Burlington, and Colchester. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Photographer in Vermont

Education

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

Key Skills

PhotographyLightroom/PhotoshopLightingCompositionPhoto EditingClient Management

Job Outlook in Vermont

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Photographer Salary in Vermont

How much does a Photographer make in Vermont? ▼
The median photographer salary in Vermont is $40,602 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $40,200. Salaries range from $24,240 (10th percentile) to $82,820 (90th percentile).
How much does a Photographer make per hour in Vermont? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $40,602, a photographer in Vermont earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Vermont a good state for photographers? ▼
Vermont ranks #16 out of 50 states for photographer pay. The cost of living index is 101% of the national average. Entry-level photographers earn $26,260, while senior professionals earn $75,750.
How does Vermont compare to other states for photographer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for photographers is Hawaii at $68,340. Vermont's median of $40,602 ranks #16 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Virginia ($41,808) and Delaware ($40,602).
What is the entry-level photographer salary in Vermont? ▼
An entry-level photographer in Vermont earns approximately $26,260 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $42,420. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $75,750.
What city in Vermont pays photographers the most? ▼
Burlington is the highest paying city in Vermont for photographers, with a median salary of $44,220. Other cities include Essex and South Burlington.