Photographer salary in Lafayette, LA
Photographers in the Lafayette, LA metro area earn a median of $30,450 a year ($14.64 an hour), based on BLS data for 50 workers.
Pay ranges from $17,020 for the lowest-paid 10% to $62,740 for the top 10%. That is 32% lower than the national median of $44,660. Pay here is 17% lower than the Louisiana statewide median of $36,830. There are 0.28 photographers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $38,570, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for photographers in Lafayette, LA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $17,020 | $8.18 |
| 25th percentile | $22,250 | $10.70 |
| Median | $30,450 | $14.64 |
| 75th percentile | $44,110 | $21.21 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $62,740 | $30.17 |
| Average (mean) | $38,570 | $18.54 |
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 | $2,537.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,268.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,171.15 |
| Weekly | $585.58 |
| Hourly | $14.64 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA | $45,040 | 30 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $41,690 | 100 |
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 Louisiana statewide figures.
Related jobs in Lafayette, LA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Audio and Video Technicians | $36,860 | $17.72 |
| Graphic Designer | $47,310 | $22.74 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $59,850 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $57,060 | $27.43 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $38,900 | $18.70 |
| Producers and Directors | $54,390 | $26.15 |
| Floral Designer | $29,950 | $14.40 |
| Editor | $57,070 | $27.44 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $47,940 | $23.05 |
| Technical Writer | $70,140 | $33.72 |
| Interior Designer | $57,900 | $27.84 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Lafayette, LA
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 Lafayette, LA?
The median salary for photographers in the Lafayette, LA metro area is $30,450 a year, or $14.64 an hour. Pay ranges from $17,020 for the lowest-paid 10% to $62,740 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid photographers make in Lafayette, LA?
The top 10% of photographers in the Lafayette, LA metro area earn at least $62,740 a year. The top 25% earn $44,110 or more.
What is the starting pay for photographers in Lafayette, LA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $17,020 a year, and a quarter of photographers earn $22,250 or less.
How many photographers work in Lafayette, LA?
About 50 photographers are employed in the Lafayette, LA metro area, not counting the self-employed.