Photographers Salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Median annual salary $56,340 +32.5% vs national
Median hourly $27.09
10th percentile $33,900
90th percentile $126,750
Employed locally 870
National median $42,520

Compare Photographers salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV stacks up on salary and cost of living.

Full tool →
Photographers
in
Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $33,900
    25th
    $39,060
    50th (median)
    $56,340
    75th
    $107,270
    90th
    $126,750

    Washington economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $123,896 2023 • Census ACS
    Photographers salary vs area income 45% Median Photographers salary is 55% 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

    Related occupations in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

    OccupationMedian salary
    Public Relations Specialists$95,370
    Editors$80,990
    Graphic Designers$82,360
    Producers and Directors$96,530
    Coaches and Scouts$54,070
    News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists$99,730

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Photographers make per hour in Washington?

    The median hourly wage for Photographers in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is $27.09, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $60.01 or more per hour.

    Is Washington above or below average for Photographers salaries?

    The median Photographers salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is 32.5% 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 Washington?

    Entry-level Photographers (10th percentile) earn around $33,900 per year in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $39,060.