Photographer salary in Missouri
Photographers in Missouri earn a median of $39,170 a year ($18.83 an hour), based on BLS data for 950 workers.
Pay ranges from $29,600 for the lowest-paid 10% to $74,530 for the top 10%. That is 12% lower than the national median of $44,660. Missouri ranks 31st of 49 states for photographers pay. There are 0.32 photographers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $47,380, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for photographers in Missouri
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $29,600 | $14.23 |
| 25th percentile | $31,880 | $15.33 |
| Median | $39,170 | $18.83 |
| 75th percentile | $58,250 | $28.01 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $74,530 | $35.83 |
| Average (mean) | $47,380 | $22.78 |
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 | $3,264.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,632.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,506.54 |
| Weekly | $753.27 |
| Hourly | $18.83 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Photographer salary in cities in Missouri
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Springfield, MO | $52,510 | 80 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $43,750 | 280 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $39,170 | 420 |
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 Missouri
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Audio and Video Technicians | $50,680 | $24.37 |
| Film and Video Editors | $57,950 | $27.86 |
| Broadcast Technician | $41,600 | $20.00 |
| Sound Engineering Technician | $61,750 | $29.69 |
| Lighting Technician | $41,900 | $20.14 |
| Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other | $53,480 | $25.71 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $61,130 | $29.39 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $42,790 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $56,750 | $27.28 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $42,890 | $20.62 |
| Producers and Directors | $66,460 | $31.95 |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $33,140 | — |
| Floral Designer | $34,210 | $16.45 |
| Interior Designer | $59,610 | $28.66 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Missouri
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 Missouri?
The median salary for photographers in Missouri is $39,170 a year, or $18.83 an hour. Pay ranges from $29,600 for the lowest-paid 10% to $74,530 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid photographers make in Missouri?
The top 10% of photographers in Missouri earn at least $74,530 a year. The top 25% earn $58,250 or more.
What is the starting pay for photographers in Missouri?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $29,600 a year, and a quarter of photographers earn $31,880 or less.
How many photographers work in Missouri?
About 950 photographers are employed in Missouri, not counting the self-employed.