Photographer salary in Albuquerque, NM
Photographers in the Albuquerque, NM metro area earn a median of $48,090 a year ($23.12 an hour), based on BLS data for 100 workers.
Pay ranges from $34,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $77,400 for the top 10%. That is 8% higher than the national median of $44,660. Pay here is about the same as the New Mexico statewide median of $48,090. There are 0.25 photographers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.74). The average (mean) salary is $57,600, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for photographers in Albuquerque, NM
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $34,990 | $16.82 |
| 25th percentile | $40,980 | $19.70 |
| Median | $48,090 | $23.12 |
| 75th percentile | $74,030 | $35.59 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $77,400 | $37.21 |
| Average (mean) | $57,600 | $27.69 |
Half of photographers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,007.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,003.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,849.62 |
| Weekly | $924.81 |
| Hourly | $23.12 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Photographer salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe, NM | $50,670 | 40 |
Highest-paying states for photographers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $110,970 |
| New York | $60,050 |
| Massachusetts | $57,990 |
| Oregon | $53,630 |
| Utah | $52,140 |
| Delaware | $50,100 |
| Connecticut | $49,790 |
| New Mexico | $48,090 |
| Washington | $48,050 |
| California | $47,840 |
See Photographer pay in every state or the New Mexico statewide figures.
Related jobs in Albuquerque, NM
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Audio and Video Technicians | $46,220 | $22.22 |
| Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film | $50,860 | $24.45 |
| Broadcast Technician | $49,990 | $24.03 |
| Sound Engineering Technician | $45,690 | $21.97 |
| Film and Video Editors | $56,330 | $27.08 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $73,640 | $35.40 |
| Graphic Designer | $63,810 | $30.68 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $37,580 | $18.07 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $45,380 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $59,910 | $28.80 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $75,230 | $36.17 |
| Technical Writer | $86,790 | $41.72 |
| Editor | $65,190 | $31.34 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $56,190 | $27.01 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Albuquerque, NM
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 27-4021. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a photographer make in Albuquerque, NM?
The median salary for photographers in the Albuquerque, NM metro area is $48,090 a year, or $23.12 an hour. Pay ranges from $34,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $77,400 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid photographers make in Albuquerque, NM?
The top 10% of photographers in the Albuquerque, NM metro area earn at least $77,400 a year. The top 25% earn $74,030 or more.
What is the starting pay for photographers in Albuquerque, NM?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $34,990 a year, and a quarter of photographers earn $40,980 or less.
How many photographers work in Albuquerque, NM?
About 100 photographers are employed in the Albuquerque, NM metro area, not counting the self-employed.