Photographer Salary in Parkersburg, West Virginia
The median photographer salary in Parkersburg, WV is $32,160 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the West Virginia state average.
Photographer Pay in Parkersburg: What to Expect (2026)
Parkersburg offers a median photographer salary of $32,160, which is $1,608 below the West Virginia state average of $33,768. Compared to the national median of $40,200, Parkersburg pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Parkersburg's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $32,160 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $40,200 in an average-cost city. This makes Parkersburg an attractive option for photographers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for photographers in Parkersburg spans from $19,200 at the 10th percentile to $65,600 at the 90th percentile — a $46,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $20,800, while senior photographers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $60,000. Parkersburg is a smaller market (pop. 29,675), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Photographer Salary in Parkersburg by Experience
In Parkersburg, an entry-level photographer earns around $20,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $60,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Parkersburg, WV
| Percentile | Parkersburg |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $19,200 |
| 25th Percentile | $24,000 |
| Median (50th) | $32,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,400 |
| 90th Percentile | $65,600 |
Photographer Salary in Other West Virginia Cities
How to Become a Photographer in Parkersburg
Education
Most photographer positions require a high school diploma. Parkersburg and the surrounding West Virginia area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, photographer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Parkersburg may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Photographer Jobs in Parkersburg
Browse open photographer positions in Parkersburg, WV: