Photographer salary in Colorado
Photographers in Colorado earn a median of $47,070 a year ($22.63 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,140 workers.
Pay ranges from $36,440 for the lowest-paid 10% to $92,200 for the top 10%. That is 5% higher than the national median of $44,660. Colorado ranks 12th of 49 states for photographers pay. There are 0.40 photographers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $58,170, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for photographers in Colorado
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $36,440 | $17.52 |
| 25th percentile | $38,730 | $18.62 |
| Median | $47,070 | $22.63 |
| 75th percentile | $69,990 | $33.65 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $92,200 | $44.33 |
| Average (mean) | $58,170 | $27.97 |
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 | $3,922.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,961.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,810.38 |
| Weekly | $905.19 |
| Hourly | $22.63 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Photographer salary in cities in Colorado
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO | $62,550 | 70 |
| Boulder, CO | $60,930 | 60 |
| 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 |
Related jobs in Colorado
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Audio and Video Technicians | $56,790 | $27.30 |
| Broadcast Technician | $74,040 | $35.60 |
| Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other | $86,370 | $41.52 |
| Film and Video Editors | $84,620 | $40.68 |
| Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film | $74,990 | $36.05 |
| Sound Engineering Technician | $60,630 | $29.15 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $80,680 | $38.79 |
| Graphic Designer | $66,330 | $31.89 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $47,110 | — |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $43,230 | $20.78 |
| Interior Designer | $78,390 | $37.69 |
| Producers and Directors | $78,060 | $37.53 |
| Editor | $77,870 | $37.44 |
| Technical Writer | $100,610 | $48.37 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Colorado
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 Colorado?
The median salary for photographers in Colorado is $47,070 a year, or $22.63 an hour. Pay ranges from $36,440 for the lowest-paid 10% to $92,200 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid photographers make in Colorado?
The top 10% of photographers in Colorado earn at least $92,200 a year. The top 25% earn $69,990 or more.
What is the starting pay for photographers in Colorado?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $36,440 a year, and a quarter of photographers earn $38,730 or less.
How many photographers work in Colorado?
About 1,140 photographers are employed in Colorado, not counting the self-employed.