Photographer salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Photographers in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area earn a median of $47,340 a year ($22.76 an hour), based on BLS data for 620 workers.
Pay ranges from $37,950 for the lowest-paid 10% to $97,810 for the top 10%. That is 6% higher than the national median of $44,660. Pay here is 1% higher than the Colorado statewide median of $47,070. There are 0.39 photographers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $59,430, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for photographers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $37,950 | $18.25 |
| 25th percentile | $39,110 | $18.81 |
| Median | $47,340 | $22.76 |
| 75th percentile | $73,420 | $35.30 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $97,810 | $47.02 |
| Average (mean) | $59,430 | $28.57 |
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 | $3,945 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,972.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,820.77 |
| Weekly | $910.38 |
| Hourly | $22.76 |
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 |
| Boulder, CO | $60,930 | 60 |
| 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 Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Broadcast Technician | $78,050 | $37.52 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $57,970 | $27.87 |
| Film and Video Editors | $93,600 | $45.00 |
| Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other | $58,320 | $28.04 |
| Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film | $74,990 | $36.05 |
| Sound Engineering Technician | $60,060 | $28.87 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $82,930 | $39.87 |
| Graphic Designer | $72,500 | $34.86 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $44,970 | $21.62 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $47,110 | — |
| Interior Designer | $80,150 | $38.53 |
| Producers and Directors | $80,590 | $38.75 |
| Editor | $78,670 | $37.82 |
| Writers and Authors | $69,100 | $33.22 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, 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 Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The median salary for photographers in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area is $47,340 a year, or $22.76 an hour. Pay ranges from $37,950 for the lowest-paid 10% to $97,810 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid photographers make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The top 10% of photographers in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area earn at least $97,810 a year. The top 25% earn $73,420 or more.
What is the starting pay for photographers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $37,950 a year, and a quarter of photographers earn $39,110 or less.
How many photographers work in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
About 620 photographers are employed in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area, not counting the self-employed.