Photographers Salary in Chicago, IL-IN
BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Median annual salary
$34,950
-17.8% vs national
Median hourly
$16.80
10th percentile
$29,120
90th percentile
$65,140
Employed locally
1,970
National median
$42,520
Compare Photographers salary & buying power
Type a city below to see how Chicago, IL-IN stacks up on salary and cost of living.
Photographers
in
Chicago, IL-IN
vs
Salary percentile breakdown
Chicago economic context
Unemployment rate
5.10%
2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
Median household income
$88,850
2023 • Census ACS
Photographers salary vs area income
39%
Median Photographers salary is 61% below the area median household income
Frequently asked questions
How much do Photographers make per hour in Chicago?
The median hourly wage for Photographers in Chicago, IL-IN is $16.80, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $48.12 or more per hour.
Is Chicago above or below average for Photographers salaries?
The median Photographers salary in Chicago, IL-IN is 17.8% below the national median of $42,520. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.
What is the entry-level salary for Photographers in Chicago?
Entry-level Photographers (10th percentile) earn around $29,120 per year in Chicago, IL-IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $30,280.