Photographer salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Photographers in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn a median of $38,510 a year ($18.51 an hour), based on BLS data for 110 workers.
Pay ranges from $25,340 for the lowest-paid 10% to $72,010 for the top 10%. That is 14% lower than the national median of $44,660. Pay here is 1% higher than the Tennessee statewide median of $37,950. There are 0.19 photographers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.56). The average (mean) salary is $45,170, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for photographers in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $25,340 | $12.18 |
| 25th percentile | $34,040 | $16.37 |
| Median | $38,510 | $18.51 |
| 75th percentile | $50,850 | $24.45 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $72,010 | $34.62 |
| Average (mean) | $45,170 | $21.72 |
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 | $3,209.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,604.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,481.15 |
| Weekly | $740.58 |
| Hourly | $18.51 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson, MS | $47,500 | 60 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $44,480 | 240 |
| Knoxville, TN | $36,240 | 100 |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $35,630 | 70 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | $35,610 | 90 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $33,600 | 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 |
See Photographer pay in every state or the Tennessee statewide figures.
Related jobs in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Audio and Video Technicians | $47,170 | $22.68 |
| Film and Video Editors | $54,620 | $26.26 |
| Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film | $48,680 | $23.40 |
| Sound Engineering Technician | $48,050 | $23.10 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $31,160 | $14.98 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $37,440 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $61,000 | $29.33 |
| Graphic Designer | $59,000 | $28.37 |
| Producers and Directors | $60,440 | $29.06 |
| Interior Designer | $58,600 | $28.17 |
| Writers and Authors | $58,480 | $28.12 |
| Editor | $56,420 | $27.13 |
| Floral Designer | $37,580 | $18.07 |
| Art Director | $89,860 | $43.20 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
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 Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The median salary for photographers in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area is $38,510 a year, or $18.51 an hour. Pay ranges from $25,340 for the lowest-paid 10% to $72,010 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid photographers make in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The top 10% of photographers in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn at least $72,010 a year. The top 25% earn $50,850 or more.
What is the starting pay for photographers in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $25,340 a year, and a quarter of photographers earn $34,040 or less.
How many photographers work in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
About 110 photographers are employed in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area, not counting the self-employed.