Media & Communications Washington (WA) Rank #7 of 50

Photographer Salary in Washington

The median photographer salary in Washington is $46,230 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $40,200.

Median Salary
$46,230
vs National
+$6,030
State Rank
#7 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Photographer Salary in Washington by Experience

In Washington, an entry-level photographer earns around $29,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,250 per year. The cost of living index in Washington is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,900
+$3,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,300
+$6,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$86,250
+$11,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Washington

Percentile WA Salary
10th Percentile $27,600
25th Percentile $34,500
Median (50th) $46,230
75th Percentile $66,700
90th Percentile $94,300

Photographer Salary by City in Washington

The largest employment areas for photographers in Washington include Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Bellevue. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Seattle, WA
$59,496
Pop. 737,015 · COL 148%
Spokane, WA
$36,984
Pop. 228,989 · COL 92%
Tacoma, WA
$44,220
Pop. 219,346 · COL 110%
Bellevue, WA
$61,104
Pop. 151,854 · COL 152%
Vancouver, WA
$41,004
Pop. 190,915 · COL 102%

How to Become a Photographer in Washington

Education

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

Key Skills

PhotographyLightroom/PhotoshopLightingCompositionPhoto EditingClient Management

Job Outlook in Washington

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

Find Photographer Jobs in Washington

Browse open photographer positions in Washington:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Photographer Salary in Washington

How much does a Photographer make in Washington? ▼
The median photographer salary in Washington is $46,230 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $40,200. Salaries range from $27,600 (10th percentile) to $94,300 (90th percentile).
How much does a Photographer make per hour in Washington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,230, a photographer in Washington earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Washington a good state for photographers? ▼
Washington ranks #7 out of 50 states for photographer pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level photographers earn $29,900, while senior professionals earn $86,250.
How does Washington compare to other states for photographer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for photographers is Hawaii at $68,340. Washington's median of $46,230 ranks #7 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New York ($49,044) and New Jersey ($46,230).
What is the entry-level photographer salary in Washington? ▼
An entry-level photographer in Washington earns approximately $29,900 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $48,300. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $86,250.
What city in Washington pays photographers the most? ▼
Bellevue is the highest paying city in Washington for photographers, with a median salary of $61,104. Other cities include Seattle and Spokane.