Photographers Salary in Northwest Illinois

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $29,120 -31.5% vs national
Median hourly $14.00
10th percentile $29,120
90th percentile $47,250
Employed locally 80
National median $42,520

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Photographers
in
Northwest Illinois
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $29,120
    25th
    $29,120
    50th (median)
    $29,120
    75th
    $32,910
    90th
    $47,250

    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

    Related occupations in Northwest Illinois

    OccupationMedian salary
    Coaches and Scouts$41,960
    Graphic Designers$51,390
    Floral Designers$30,450
    Public Relations Specialists$51,730

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Photographers make per hour in Northwest Illinois?

    The median hourly wage for Photographers in Northwest Illinois is $14.00, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $23.38 or more per hour.

    Is Northwest Illinois above or below average for Photographers salaries?

    The median Photographers salary in Northwest Illinois is 31.5% 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 Northwest Illinois?

    Entry-level Photographers (10th percentile) earn around $29,120 per year in Northwest Illinois. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $29,120.