Photographer salary in North Dakota
Photographers in North Dakota earn a median of $37,410 a year ($17.99 an hour), based on BLS data for 70 workers.
Pay ranges from $35,350 for the lowest-paid 10% to $71,500 for the top 10%. That is 16% lower than the national median of $44,660. North Dakota ranks 38th of 49 states for photographers pay. There are 0.16 photographers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.49). The average (mean) salary is $45,730, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for photographers in North Dakota
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $35,350 | $17.00 |
| 25th percentile | $36,070 | $17.34 |
| Median | $37,410 | $17.99 |
| 75th percentile | $50,850 | $24.45 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $71,500 | $34.37 |
| Average (mean) | $45,730 | $21.99 |
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 | $3,117.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,558.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,438.85 |
| Weekly | $719.42 |
| Hourly | $17.99 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Photographer salary in cities in North Dakota
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Fargo, ND-MN | $38,210 | 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 North Dakota
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Audio and Video Technicians | $50,110 | $24.09 |
| Broadcast Technician | $48,090 | $23.12 |
| Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film | $53,650 | $25.79 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $37,100 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $70,280 | $33.79 |
| Graphic Designer | $56,470 | $27.15 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $42,080 | $20.23 |
| Editor | $60,520 | $29.10 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $38,500 | $18.51 |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $63,920 | — |
| Floral Designer | $35,290 | $16.97 |
| Producers and Directors | $57,870 | $27.82 |
| Interior Designer | $59,190 | $28.46 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $43,420 | $20.88 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in North Dakota
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 North Dakota?
The median salary for photographers in North Dakota is $37,410 a year, or $17.99 an hour. Pay ranges from $35,350 for the lowest-paid 10% to $71,500 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid photographers make in North Dakota?
The top 10% of photographers in North Dakota earn at least $71,500 a year. The top 25% earn $50,850 or more.
What is the starting pay for photographers in North Dakota?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $35,350 a year, and a quarter of photographers earn $36,070 or less.
How many photographers work in North Dakota?
About 70 photographers are employed in North Dakota, not counting the self-employed.