Photographers Salary in Santa Maria, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA

Median annual salary $60,910 +43.3% vs national
Median hourly $29.29
10th percentile $37,860
90th percentile $99,110
Employed locally 50
National median $42,520

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Photographers
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Santa Maria, CA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $37,860
    25th
    $43,910
    50th (median)
    $60,910
    75th
    $77,280
    90th
    $99,110

    Santa Maria economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $95,977 2023 • Census ACS
    Photographers salary vs area income 63% Median Photographers salary is 37% 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
    Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $60,250
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $55,900
    California $50,610
    Vallejo, CA $47,740

    Related occupations in Santa Maria, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Coaches and Scouts $45,020
    Public Relations Specialists $79,110
    Graphic Designers $78,500
    Producers and Directors $77,950
    Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $42,150
    Interior Designers $79,350

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Photographers make per hour in Santa Maria?

    The median hourly wage for Photographers in Santa Maria, CA is $29.29, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $41.08 or more per hour.

    Is Santa Maria above or below average for Photographers salaries?

    The median Photographers salary in Santa Maria, CA is 43.3% 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 Santa Maria?

    Entry-level Photographers (10th percentile) earn around $37,860 per year in Santa Maria, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $43,910.