Photographer salary in Columbus, OH
Photographers in the Columbus, OH metro area earn a median of $41,390 a year ($19.90 an hour), based on BLS data for 310 workers.
Pay ranges from $23,880 for the lowest-paid 10% to $83,130 for the top 10%. That is 7% lower than the national median of $44,660. Pay here is 8% higher than the Ohio statewide median of $38,470. There are 0.28 photographers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $50,470, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for photographers in Columbus, OH
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $23,880 | $11.48 |
| 25th percentile | $33,590 | $16.15 |
| Median | $41,390 | $19.90 |
| 75th percentile | $62,450 | $30.03 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $83,130 | $39.97 |
| Average (mean) | $50,470 | $24.27 |
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 | $3,449.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,724.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,591.92 |
| Weekly | $795.96 |
| Hourly | $19.90 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $43,040 | 290 |
| Cleveland, OH | $42,090 | 290 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | $36,790 | 130 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | $36,580 | 60 |
| Akron, OH | $36,100 | 80 |
| Toledo, OH | $35,810 | 80 |
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 Ohio statewide figures.
Related jobs in Columbus, OH
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Audio and Video Technicians | $50,320 | $24.19 |
| Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film | $72,540 | $34.88 |
| Broadcast Technician | $54,290 | $26.10 |
| Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other | $92,580 | $44.51 |
| Lighting Technician | $55,740 | $26.80 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $48,490 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $73,280 | $35.23 |
| Graphic Designer | $64,000 | $30.77 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $40,370 | $19.41 |
| Interior Designer | $62,180 | $29.89 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $55,380 | $26.62 |
| Producers and Directors | $76,930 | $36.99 |
| Editor | $77,810 | $37.41 |
| Floral Designer | $39,260 | $18.88 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Columbus, OH
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 Columbus, OH?
The median salary for photographers in the Columbus, OH metro area is $41,390 a year, or $19.90 an hour. Pay ranges from $23,880 for the lowest-paid 10% to $83,130 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid photographers make in Columbus, OH?
The top 10% of photographers in the Columbus, OH metro area earn at least $83,130 a year. The top 25% earn $62,450 or more.
What is the starting pay for photographers in Columbus, OH?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $23,880 a year, and a quarter of photographers earn $33,590 or less.
How many photographers work in Columbus, OH?
About 310 photographers are employed in the Columbus, OH metro area, not counting the self-employed.