Photographer salary in Lincoln, NE
Photographers in the Lincoln, NE metro area earn a median of $39,540 a year ($19.01 an hour), based on BLS data for 50 workers.
Pay ranges from $28,080 for the lowest-paid 10% to $66,990 for the top 10%. That is 11% lower than the national median of $44,660. Pay here is 6% lower than the Nebraska statewide median of $41,920. There are 0.28 photographers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $44,740, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for photographers in Lincoln, NE
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $28,080 | $13.50 |
| 25th percentile | $28,080 | $13.50 |
| Median | $39,540 | $19.01 |
| 75th percentile | $55,940 | $26.89 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $66,990 | $32.21 |
| Average (mean) | $44,740 | $21.51 |
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 | $3,295 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,647.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,520.77 |
| Weekly | $760.38 |
| Hourly | $19.01 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE-IA | $45,160 | 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 Nebraska statewide figures.
Related jobs in Lincoln, NE
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Audio and Video Technicians | $45,310 | $21.78 |
| Broadcast Technician | $48,340 | $23.24 |
| Film and Video Editors | $50,310 | $24.19 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $61,550 | $29.59 |
| Graphic Designer | $56,510 | $27.17 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $55,240 | — |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $34,930 | $16.79 |
| Producers and Directors | $60,000 | $28.85 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $60,820 | $29.24 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $41,550 | $19.98 |
| Interior Designer | $68,640 | $33.00 |
| Editor | $52,000 | $25.00 |
| Floral Designer | $31,960 | $15.37 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $44,440 | $21.37 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Lincoln, NE
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 Lincoln, NE?
The median salary for photographers in the Lincoln, NE metro area is $39,540 a year, or $19.01 an hour. Pay ranges from $28,080 for the lowest-paid 10% to $66,990 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid photographers make in Lincoln, NE?
The top 10% of photographers in the Lincoln, NE metro area earn at least $66,990 a year. The top 25% earn $55,940 or more.
What is the starting pay for photographers in Lincoln, NE?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $28,080 a year, and a quarter of photographers earn $28,080 or less.
How many photographers work in Lincoln, NE?
About 50 photographers are employed in the Lincoln, NE metro area, not counting the self-employed.