Photographer salary in Peoria, IL
Photographers in the Peoria, IL metro area earn a median of $35,510 a year ($17.07 an hour), based on BLS data for 50 workers.
Pay ranges from $31,200 for the lowest-paid 10% to $64,100 for the top 10%. That is 20% lower than the national median of $44,660. Pay here is 3% lower than the Illinois statewide median of $36,570. There are 0.33 photographers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $40,880, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for photographers in Peoria, IL
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $31,200 | $15.00 |
| 25th percentile | $31,200 | $15.00 |
| Median | $35,510 | $17.07 |
| 75th percentile | $41,470 | $19.94 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $64,100 | $30.82 |
| Average (mean) | $40,880 | $19.65 |
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 | $2,959.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,479.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,365.77 |
| Weekly | $682.88 |
| Hourly | $17.07 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $43,100 | 30 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $39,170 | 420 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $36,810 | 1,590 |
| Rockford, IL | $36,360 | 40 |
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 Illinois statewide figures.
Related jobs in Peoria, IL
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Audio and Video Technicians | $54,690 | $26.29 |
| Broadcast Technician | $40,290 | $19.37 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $44,480 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $56,450 | $27.14 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $76,150 | $36.61 |
| Floral Designer | $34,690 | $16.68 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $39,960 | $19.21 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $53,540 | $25.74 |
| Producers and Directors | $43,080 | $20.71 |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $39.22 |
| Editor | $58,000 | $27.89 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $54,690 | $26.29 |
| Technical Writer | $87,090 | $41.87 |
| Art Director | $87,790 | $42.21 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Peoria, IL
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 Peoria, IL?
The median salary for photographers in the Peoria, IL metro area is $35,510 a year, or $17.07 an hour. Pay ranges from $31,200 for the lowest-paid 10% to $64,100 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid photographers make in Peoria, IL?
The top 10% of photographers in the Peoria, IL metro area earn at least $64,100 a year. The top 25% earn $41,470 or more.
What is the starting pay for photographers in Peoria, IL?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $31,200 a year, and a quarter of photographers earn $31,200 or less.
How many photographers work in Peoria, IL?
About 50 photographers are employed in the Peoria, IL metro area, not counting the self-employed.