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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Photographers

Median Salary
40,760
Job Outlook
+19%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists.

What sectors do they work in?

Self-employed

59%

Private for profit

35%

Private not for profit

3%

State and local government

2%

Federal Government

0%

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Employment of photographers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 13,700 openings for photographers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$30,510

10%

$40,760

Median

$77,730

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Some college

    27%

  • High school

    18%

  • Bachelor's degree

    13%

  • Associate's degree

    13%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    13%

  • Less than high school

    9%

  • Post baccalaureate

    4%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Art/Art Studies, General
  • Visual and Performing Arts, General
  • Photojournalism
  • Digital Arts
  • Commercial Photography
  • Photography

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Sales and Marketing
  • Administrative
  • Administration and Management

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Artistic

You love creating things and expressing yourself through art, writing and music.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.