Media & Communications Charleston, WV Pop. 48,006

Photographer Salary in Charleston, West Virginia

The median photographer salary in Charleston, WV is $35,376 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 4.8% above the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$35,376
vs State Avg
+$1,608
vs National
$-4,824
Cost of Living
88%

Photographer Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level photographer earns around $22,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $66,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$22,880
$-3,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$36,960
$-5,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$66,000
$-9,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charleston, WV

Percentile Charleston
10th Percentile $21,120
25th Percentile $26,400
Median (50th) $35,376
75th Percentile $51,040
90th Percentile $72,160

Photographer Salary in Other West Virginia Cities

How to Become a Photographer in Charleston

Education

Most photographer positions require a high school diploma. Charleston and the surrounding West Virginia area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PhotographyLightroom/PhotoshopLightingCompositionPhoto EditingClient Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, photographer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Charleston may vary based on local industry and population growth.