Photographers Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • St. Louis, MO-IL

Median annual salary $37,280 -12.3% vs national
Median hourly $17.92
10th percentile $29,120
90th percentile $76,100
Employed locally 460
National median $42,520

Compare Photographers salary & buying power

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Photographers
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St. Louis, MO-IL
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $29,120
    25th
    $32,850
    50th (median)
    $37,280
    75th
    $54,400
    90th
    $76,100

    St. Louis economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.70% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $78,225 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
    Montgomery, AL $53,640
    Springfield, MO $50,380
    Modesto, CA $44,240
    Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $44,130
    Richmond, VA $43,580

    Related occupations in St. Louis, MO-IL

    OccupationMedian salary
    Public Relations Specialists $64,060
    Coaches and Scouts $41,720
    Graphic Designers $56,350
    Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $36,870
    Audio and Video Technicians $59,230
    Producers and Directors $66,520

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Photographers make per hour in St. Louis?

    The median hourly wage for Photographers in St. Louis, MO-IL is $17.92, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $36.90 or more per hour.

    Is St. Louis above or below average for Photographers salaries?

    The median Photographers salary in St. Louis, MO-IL is 12.3% 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 St. Louis?

    Entry-level Photographers (10th percentile) earn around $29,120 per year in St. Louis, MO-IL. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $32,850.