Photographer salary in Illinois
Photographers in Illinois earn a median of $36,570 a year ($17.58 an hour), based on BLS data for 2,150 workers.
Pay ranges from $31,200 for the lowest-paid 10% to $96,770 for the top 10%. That is 18% lower than the national median of $44,660. Illinois ranks 44th of 49 states for photographers pay. There are 0.35 photographers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $50,600, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for photographers in Illinois
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $31,200 | $15.00 |
| 25th percentile | $32,300 | $15.53 |
| Median | $36,570 | $17.58 |
| 75th percentile | $57,590 | $27.69 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $96,770 | $46.52 |
| Average (mean) | $50,600 | $24.33 |
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 | $3,047.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,523.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,406.54 |
| Weekly | $703.27 |
| Hourly | $17.58 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Photographer salary in cities in Illinois
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $43,100 | 30 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $39,170 | 420 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $36,810 | 1,590 |
| Rockford, IL | $36,360 | 40 |
| Peoria, IL | $35,510 | 50 |
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 Illinois
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Audio and Video Technicians | $60,740 | $29.20 |
| Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film | $100,170 | $48.16 |
| Broadcast Technician | $74,210 | $35.68 |
| Sound Engineering Technician | $73,130 | $35.16 |
| Film and Video Editors | $72,460 | $34.84 |
| Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other | $72,430 | $34.82 |
| Graphic Designer | $62,560 | $30.08 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $49,120 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $76,380 | $36.72 |
| Editor | $76,060 | $36.57 |
| Producers and Directors | $81,080 | $38.98 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $40,270 | $19.36 |
| Art Director | $103,550 | $49.79 |
| Writers and Authors | $68,220 | $32.80 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Illinois
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 Illinois?
The median salary for photographers in Illinois is $36,570 a year, or $17.58 an hour. Pay ranges from $31,200 for the lowest-paid 10% to $96,770 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid photographers make in Illinois?
The top 10% of photographers in Illinois earn at least $96,770 a year. The top 25% earn $57,590 or more.
What is the starting pay for photographers in Illinois?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $31,200 a year, and a quarter of photographers earn $32,300 or less.
How many photographers work in Illinois?
About 2,150 photographers are employed in Illinois, not counting the self-employed.