Photographers Salary in San Jose, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

Median annual salary $46,180 +8.6% vs national
Median hourly $22.20
10th percentile $41,060
90th percentile $99,400
Employed locally 230
National median $42,520

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Photographers
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San Jose, CA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $41,060
    25th
    $41,060
    50th (median)
    $46,180
    75th
    $69,210
    90th
    $99,400

    San Jose economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $157,444 2023 • Census ACS
    Photographers salary vs area income 29% Median Photographers salary is 71% 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 Jose, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Coaches and Scouts$54,520
    Public Relations Specialists$101,200
    Graphic Designers$98,530
    Technical Writers$135,880
    Art Directors$170,760
    Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers$45,110

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Photographers make per hour in San Jose?

    The median hourly wage for Photographers in San Jose, CA is $22.20, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $61.33 or more per hour.

    Is San Jose above or below average for Photographers salaries?

    The median Photographers salary in San Jose, CA is 8.6% 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 Jose?

    Entry-level Photographers (10th percentile) earn around $41,060 per year in San Jose, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $41,060.