Photographer salary in Arizona
Photographers in Arizona earn a median of $36,970 a year ($17.77 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,360 workers.
Pay ranges from $32,080 for the lowest-paid 10% to $84,130 for the top 10%. That is 17% lower than the national median of $44,660. Arizona ranks 41st of 49 states for photographers pay. There are 0.42 photographers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $47,330, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for photographers in Arizona
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $32,080 | $15.42 |
| 25th percentile | $34,640 | $16.65 |
| Median | $36,970 | $17.77 |
| 75th percentile | $46,660 | $22.43 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $84,130 | $40.45 |
| Average (mean) | $47,330 | $22.76 |
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 | $3,080.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,540.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,421.92 |
| Weekly | $710.96 |
| Hourly | $17.77 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Photographer salary in cities in Arizona
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Tucson, AZ | $43,360 | 60 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | $36,970 | 1,140 |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $34,010 | 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 Arizona
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Audio and Video Technicians | $47,140 | $22.67 |
| Broadcast Technician | $73,040 | $35.12 |
| Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film | $68,250 | $32.81 |
| Film and Video Editors | $45,840 | $22.04 |
| Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other | $99,320 | $47.75 |
| Sound Engineering Technician | $66,350 | $31.90 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $66,710 | $32.07 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $53,130 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $58,510 | $28.13 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $39,630 | $19.05 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $50,150 | $24.11 |
| Producers and Directors | $67,320 | $32.36 |
| Interior Designer | $61,460 | $29.55 |
| Athletes and Sports Competitors | $50,090 | — |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Arizona
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 Arizona?
The median salary for photographers in Arizona is $36,970 a year, or $17.77 an hour. Pay ranges from $32,080 for the lowest-paid 10% to $84,130 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid photographers make in Arizona?
The top 10% of photographers in Arizona earn at least $84,130 a year. The top 25% earn $46,660 or more.
What is the starting pay for photographers in Arizona?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $32,080 a year, and a quarter of photographers earn $34,640 or less.
How many photographers work in Arizona?
About 1,360 photographers are employed in Arizona, not counting the self-employed.