Media & Communications Virginia (VA) Rank #14 of 50

Photographer Salary in Virginia

The median photographer salary in Virginia is $41,808 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $40,200.

Median Salary
$41,808
vs National
+$1,608
State Rank
#14 of 50
Cost of Living
104%

Photographer Salary in Virginia by Experience

In Virginia, an entry-level photographer earns around $27,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,000 per year. The cost of living index in Virginia is 104% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,040
+$1,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,680
+$1,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$78,000
+$3,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Virginia

Percentile VA Salary
10th Percentile $24,960
25th Percentile $31,200
Median (50th) $41,808
75th Percentile $60,320
90th Percentile $85,280

Photographer Salary by City in Virginia

The largest employment areas for photographers in Virginia include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, and Arlington. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Virginia Beach, VA
$41,004
Pop. 449,974 · COL 102%
Norfolk, VA
$38,592
Pop. 238,005 · COL 96%
Richmond, VA
$40,200
Pop. 226,610 · COL 100%
Arlington, VA
$53,064
Pop. 238,643 · COL 132%
Chesapeake, VA
$39,396
Pop. 249,422 · COL 98%

How to Become a Photographer in Virginia

Education

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

Key Skills

PhotographyLightroom/PhotoshopLightingCompositionPhoto EditingClient Management

Job Outlook in Virginia

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

Find Photographer Jobs in Virginia

Browse open photographer positions in Virginia:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Photographer Salary in Virginia

How much does a Photographer make in Virginia? ▼
The median photographer salary in Virginia is $41,808 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $40,200. Salaries range from $24,960 (10th percentile) to $85,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Photographer make per hour in Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $41,808, a photographer in Virginia earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Virginia a good state for photographers? ▼
Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for photographer pay. The cost of living index is 104% of the national average. Entry-level photographers earn $27,040, while senior professionals earn $78,000.
How does Virginia compare to other states for photographer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for photographers is Hawaii at $68,340. Virginia's median of $41,808 ranks #14 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Hampshire ($42,210) and Rhode Island ($42,210).
What is the entry-level photographer salary in Virginia? ▼
An entry-level photographer in Virginia earns approximately $27,040 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $43,680. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $78,000.
What city in Virginia pays photographers the most? ▼
Arlington is the highest paying city in Virginia for photographers, with a median salary of $53,064. Other cities include Virginia Beach and Norfolk.