Photographer salary in Boulder, CO
Photographers in the Boulder, CO metro area earn a median of $60,930 a year ($29.29 an hour), based on BLS data for 60 workers.
Pay ranges from $39,590 for the lowest-paid 10% to $99,990 for the top 10%. That is 36% higher than the national median of $44,660. Pay here is 29% higher than the Colorado statewide median of $47,070. There are 0.29 photographers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $66,690, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for photographers in Boulder, CO
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,590 | $19.04 |
| 25th percentile | $44,510 | $21.40 |
| Median | $60,930 | $29.29 |
| 75th percentile | $88,610 | $42.60 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $99,990 | $48.07 |
| Average (mean) | $66,690 | $32.06 |
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 | $5,077.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,538.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,343.46 |
| Weekly | $1,171.73 |
| Hourly | $29.29 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO | $62,550 | 70 |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | $47,340 | 620 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $42,110 | 120 |
| Greeley, CO | $42,020 | 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 Colorado statewide figures.
Related jobs in Boulder, CO
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Audio and Video Technicians | $59,990 | $28.84 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $81,180 | $39.03 |
| Graphic Designer | $67,680 | $32.54 |
| Editor | $81,090 | $38.99 |
| Producers and Directors | $81,500 | $39.18 |
| Technical Writer | $105,840 | $50.89 |
| Writers and Authors | $83,540 | $40.16 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $43,990 | $21.15 |
| Interior Designer | $80,850 | $38.87 |
| Art Director | $107,130 | $51.51 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $107,990 | $51.92 |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $49,460 | — |
| Floral Designer | $46,030 | $22.13 |
| Fashion Designer | $98,680 | $47.44 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Boulder, CO
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 Boulder, CO?
The median salary for photographers in the Boulder, CO metro area is $60,930 a year, or $29.29 an hour. Pay ranges from $39,590 for the lowest-paid 10% to $99,990 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid photographers make in Boulder, CO?
The top 10% of photographers in the Boulder, CO metro area earn at least $99,990 a year. The top 25% earn $88,610 or more.
What is the starting pay for photographers in Boulder, CO?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $39,590 a year, and a quarter of photographers earn $44,510 or less.
How many photographers work in Boulder, CO?
About 60 photographers are employed in the Boulder, CO metro area, not counting the self-employed.