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Photographers

General Information

Description

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.

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Business Breakdown

People in this career work in these sectors.

  1. Self-employed62.24%
  2. Private, for profit31.03%
  3. Private, not for profit3.04%
  4. State and local government2.15%
  5. Federal government0.55%

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Industry areas

  • Arts, Audio/Video Technology & Communications

Job Outlook

Projected Job Growth (2022 - 2032)
+4%
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Job Outlook

×

Employment of photographers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 13,900 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.

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Salary

Salary Information

Median Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.

$40,170

Median Military Salary Military pay may be higher based on specialty pays or bonuses. Learn more about Military benefits.

$49,026

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State-by-state Salary

Gray states indicate no data available

Salary Range Salary varies based on years of experience, degree level and location.

$28,190
$75,770
No Information for this section

Education & Interests

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • 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%
  • Master's degree 0%
  • Doctoral degree 0%
  • Post-doctoral training 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
  • First professional degree 0%

Related College Majors

Select major to see colleges that offer it

PERSONALITY CHARACTERISTICS

You may find this career fulfilling if you consider yourself to be:

  • Artistic — You have an interest in creating visual artwork, performances, written works, food or music.
  • Realistic — You have an interest in physically working with equipment, materials or structures.

Not sure what characteristics best describe you? Take the RIASEC Test.

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership

Knowledge

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

Gain insights into your knowledge by using the ASVAB Career Exploration Program

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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.