Photographers Salary in Modesto, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Modesto, CA

Median annual salary $44,240 +4% vs national
Median hourly $21.27
10th percentile $35,860
90th percentile $62,980
Employed locally 50
National median $42,520

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Photographers
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Modesto, CA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $35,860
    25th
    $38,710
    50th (median)
    $44,240
    75th
    $52,960
    90th
    $62,980

    Modesto economic context

    Unemployment rate 6.90% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $79,661 2023 • Census ACS
    Photographers salary vs area income 56% Median Photographers salary is 44% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Photographers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    District of Columbia $110,530
    Rochester, MN $78,870
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $75,070
    Bend, OR $72,760
    Springfield, MA $64,880
    Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $63,340

    Nearby metros — Photographers salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $75,070
    Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $63,340
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $60,910
    Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $60,250
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $55,900
    California $50,610

    Related occupations in Modesto, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Coaches and Scouts$45,780
    Graphic Designers$70,300
    Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers$42,120
    Public Relations Specialists$68,560
    Floral Designers$45,330
    Interpreters and Translators$60,530

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Photographers make per hour in Modesto?

    The median hourly wage for Photographers in Modesto, CA is $21.27, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $30.28 or more per hour.

    Is Modesto above or below average for Photographers salaries?

    The median Photographers salary in Modesto, CA is 4% above 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 Modesto?

    Entry-level Photographers (10th percentile) earn around $35,860 per year in Modesto, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $38,710.