Photographer salary in Reno, NV
Photographers in the Reno, NV metro area earn a median of $48,670 a year ($23.40 an hour), based on BLS data for 80 workers.
Pay ranges from $28,800 for the lowest-paid 10% to $81,630 for the top 10%. That is 9% higher than the national median of $44,660. Pay here is 30% higher than the Nevada statewide median of $37,460. There are 0.27 photographers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $50,670, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for photographers in Reno, NV
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $28,800 | $13.85 |
| 25th percentile | $44,110 | $21.21 |
| Median | $48,670 | $23.40 |
| 75th percentile | $50,770 | $24.41 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $81,630 | $39.25 |
| Average (mean) | $50,670 | $24.36 |
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 | $4,055.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,027.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,871.92 |
| Weekly | $935.96 |
| Hourly | $23.40 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas, NV | $36,880 | 770 |
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 Nevada statewide figures.
Related jobs in Reno, NV
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Audio and Video Technicians | $52,300 | $25.15 |
| Broadcast Technician | $62,960 | $30.27 |
| Film and Video Editors | $64,220 | $30.88 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $41,990 | $20.19 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $49,620 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $75,840 | $36.46 |
| Graphic Designer | $56,160 | $27.00 |
| Producers and Directors | $62,720 | $30.16 |
| Floral Designer | $39,360 | $18.93 |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | $105,240 | $50.60 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $62,060 | $29.84 |
| Editor | $74,470 | $35.80 |
| Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other | — | $35.07 |
| Art Director | $94,650 | $45.50 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Reno, NV
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 Reno, NV?
The median salary for photographers in the Reno, NV metro area is $48,670 a year, or $23.40 an hour. Pay ranges from $28,800 for the lowest-paid 10% to $81,630 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid photographers make in Reno, NV?
The top 10% of photographers in the Reno, NV metro area earn at least $81,630 a year. The top 25% earn $50,770 or more.
What is the starting pay for photographers in Reno, NV?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $28,800 a year, and a quarter of photographers earn $44,110 or less.
How many photographers work in Reno, NV?
About 80 photographers are employed in the Reno, NV metro area, not counting the self-employed.