Photographers Salary in Sacramento, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA

Median annual salary $44,740 +5.2% vs national
Median hourly $21.51
10th percentile $36,490
90th percentile $91,970
Employed locally 310
National median $42,520

Compare Photographers salary & buying power

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Photographers
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Sacramento, CA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $36,490
    25th
    $38,570
    50th (median)
    $44,740
    75th
    $61,270
    90th
    $91,970

    Sacramento economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.70% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $93,986 2023 • Census ACS
    Photographers salary vs area income 48% Median Photographers salary is 52% 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 Sacramento, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Public Relations Specialists $85,360
    Coaches and Scouts $43,860
    Graphic Designers $75,470
    Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $44,710
    Producers and Directors $83,600
    Interpreters and Translators $66,160

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Photographers make per hour in Sacramento?

    The median hourly wage for Photographers in Sacramento, CA is $21.51, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $40.00 or more per hour.

    Is Sacramento above or below average for Photographers salaries?

    The median Photographers salary in Sacramento, CA is 5.2% 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 Sacramento?

    Entry-level Photographers (10th percentile) earn around $36,490 per year in Sacramento, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $38,570.