Photographer salary in Ann Arbor, MI
Photographers in the Ann Arbor, MI metro area earn a median of $37,510 a year ($18.04 an hour), based on BLS data for 70 workers.
Pay ranges from $33,970 for the lowest-paid 10% to $70,690 for the top 10%. That is 16% lower than the national median of $44,660. There are 0.30 photographers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $44,420, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for photographers in Ann Arbor, MI
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $33,970 | $16.33 |
| 25th percentile | $34,560 | $16.61 |
| Median | $37,510 | $18.04 |
| 75th percentile | $47,890 | $23.03 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $70,690 | $33.99 |
| Average (mean) | $44,420 | $21.36 |
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 | $3,125.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,562.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,442.69 |
| Weekly | $721.35 |
| Hourly | $18.04 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $46,270 | 70 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | $35,920 | 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 |
Related jobs in Ann Arbor, MI
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Audio and Video Technicians | $45,160 | $21.71 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $68,890 | $33.12 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $59,890 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $55,020 | $26.45 |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $45.21 |
| Editor | $64,670 | $31.09 |
| Writers and Authors | $37,330 | $17.95 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $39,330 | $18.91 |
| Producers and Directors | $67,600 | $32.50 |
| Interior Designer | $58,600 | $28.18 |
| Floral Designer | $37,350 | $17.96 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $67,850 | $32.62 |
| Technical Writer | $89,840 | $43.19 |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | $83,530 | $40.16 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Ann Arbor, MI
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 Ann Arbor, MI?
The median salary for photographers in the Ann Arbor, MI metro area is $37,510 a year, or $18.04 an hour. Pay ranges from $33,970 for the lowest-paid 10% to $70,690 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid photographers make in Ann Arbor, MI?
The top 10% of photographers in the Ann Arbor, MI metro area earn at least $70,690 a year. The top 25% earn $47,890 or more.
What is the starting pay for photographers in Ann Arbor, MI?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $33,970 a year, and a quarter of photographers earn $34,560 or less.
How many photographers work in Ann Arbor, MI?
About 70 photographers are employed in the Ann Arbor, MI metro area, not counting the self-employed.