Media & Communications Milwaukee, WI Pop. 577,222

Photographer Salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The median photographer salary in Milwaukee, WI is $36,984 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average.

City Median
$36,984
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-3,216
Cost of Living
92%

Photographer Pay in Milwaukee: What to Expect (2026)

Milwaukee offers a median photographer salary of $36,984, which is $0 above the Wisconsin state average of $36,984. Compared to the national median of $40,200, Milwaukee pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Milwaukee's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for photographers in Milwaukee spans from $22,080 at the 10th percentile to $75,440 at the 90th percentile — a $53,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $23,920, while senior photographers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $69,000. As a major metro area with a population of 577,222, Milwaukee typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Photographer Salary in Milwaukee by Experience

In Milwaukee, an entry-level photographer earns around $23,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $69,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$23,920
$-2,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$38,640
$-3,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$69,000
$-6,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Milwaukee, WI

Percentile Milwaukee
10th Percentile $22,080
25th Percentile $27,600
Median (50th) $36,984
75th Percentile $53,360
90th Percentile $75,440

Photographer Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities

Madison, WI
$40,200
Pop. 269,840
Kenosha, WI
$36,180
Pop. 99,986
Green Bay, WI
$35,376
Pop. 107,395
Racine, WI
$34,572
Pop. 77,816

How to Become a Photographer in Milwaukee

Education

Most photographer positions require a high school diploma. Milwaukee and the surrounding Wisconsin 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 Milwaukee may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Photographer Jobs in Milwaukee

Browse open photographer positions in Milwaukee, WI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Photographer Salary in Milwaukee

How much does a Photographer make in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
The median photographer salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is $36,984 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $40,200. Salaries range from $22,080 (10th percentile) to $75,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Photographer make per hour in Milwaukee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $36,984, a photographer in Milwaukee earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Milwaukee compare to the Wisconsin state average for photographer pay? ▼
Milwaukee's median photographer salary of $36,984 is 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average of $36,984. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a photographer salary of $36,984 in Milwaukee has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a photographer in Milwaukee? ▼
Most photographer positions in Milwaukee require a high school diploma. Key skills include Photography, Lightroom/Photoshop, Lighting, Composition. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.