Photographers Hourly Pay
As of May 2025, the median hourly wage for photographers in the United States was $21.47, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Hourly Wage Percentiles
| Percentile | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| 10th | $14.82 |
| 25th | $17.33 |
| Median | $21.47 |
| 75th | $30.16 |
| 90th | $44.14 |
Data source: BLS OES national file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do photographers make an hour?
The median hourly wage is $21.47; the mean hourly wage is $26.64.
What is the entry-level hourly pay for photographers?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn about $14.82 per hour — a common proxy for entry-level pay.
What is the top hourly pay for photographers?
Workers at the 90th percentile earn about $44.14 per hour.