Photographers Salary in San Diego, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA

Median annual salary $43,870 +3.2% vs national
Median hourly $21.09
10th percentile $35,050
90th percentile $82,280
Employed locally 660
National median $42,520

Compare Photographers salary & buying power

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Photographers
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San Diego, CA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $35,050
    25th
    $35,050
    50th (median)
    $43,870
    75th
    $60,360
    90th
    $82,280

    San Diego economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.30% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $102,285 2023 • Census ACS
    Photographers salary vs area income 43% Median Photographers salary is 57% 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 San Diego, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Coaches and Scouts $45,490
    Public Relations Specialists $77,290
    Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $40,290
    Producers and Directors $88,090
    Art Directors $112,400
    Editors $76,160

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Photographers make per hour in San Diego?

    The median hourly wage for Photographers in San Diego, CA is $21.09, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $35.82 or more per hour.

    Is San Diego above or below average for Photographers salaries?

    The median Photographers salary in San Diego, CA is 3.2% 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 San Diego?

    Entry-level Photographers (10th percentile) earn around $35,050 per year in San Diego, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $35,050.