Photographer salary in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
Photographers in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area earn a median of $36,970 a year ($17.77 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,140 workers.
Pay ranges from $33,830 for the lowest-paid 10% to $84,130 for the top 10%. That is 17% lower than the national median of $44,660. Pay here is about the same as the Arizona statewide median of $36,970. There are 0.48 photographers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.4× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $47,150, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for photographers in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $33,830 | $16.26 |
| 25th percentile | $34,650 | $16.66 |
| Median | $36,970 | $17.77 |
| 75th percentile | $46,660 | $22.43 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $84,130 | $40.45 |
| Average (mean) | $47,150 | $22.67 |
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 | $3,080.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,540.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,421.92 |
| Weekly | $710.96 |
| Hourly | $17.77 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Tucson, AZ | $43,360 | 60 |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $34,010 | 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 Arizona statewide figures.
Related jobs in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Audio and Video Technicians | $47,150 | $22.67 |
| Broadcast Technician | $81,640 | $39.25 |
| Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film | $71,080 | $34.17 |
| Film and Video Editors | $45,750 | $22.00 |
| Sound Engineering Technician | $66,360 | $31.90 |
| Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other | $67,890 | $32.64 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $70,490 | $33.89 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $58,560 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $59,090 | $28.41 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $40,100 | $19.28 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $50,070 | $24.07 |
| Interior Designer | $61,810 | $29.72 |
| Producers and Directors | $72,740 | $34.97 |
| Athletes and Sports Competitors | $50,070 | — |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
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 Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
The median salary for photographers in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area is $36,970 a year, or $17.77 an hour. Pay ranges from $33,830 for the lowest-paid 10% to $84,130 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid photographers make in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
The top 10% of photographers in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area earn at least $84,130 a year. The top 25% earn $46,660 or more.
What is the starting pay for photographers in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $33,830 a year, and a quarter of photographers earn $34,650 or less.
How many photographers work in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
About 1,140 photographers are employed in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area, not counting the self-employed.