Photographers Salary in Chicago, IL (2026)
Source: BLS OEWS · Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN · 1,970 employed
The average Photographers salary in Chicago, IL is $42,740 per year. The middle 50% of Photographerss earn between $30,280 and $48,710. Top earners in the 90th percentile make $65,140 or more. Entry-level positions typically start around $29,120. The median of $34,950 is above the mean, reflecting the wage distribution in this field.
Photographers Salary Breakdown in Chicago, IL
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry-level) | $29,120 |
| 25th Percentile | $30,280 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $34,950 |
| Mean (Average) | $42,740 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,710 |
| 90th Percentile (Top earners) | $65,140 |
Related Jobs in Chicago, IL
| Occupation | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| Art Directors | $113,990 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $93,590 |
| Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other | $91,590 |
| Producers and Directors | $89,800 |
| Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film | $88,920 |
| Technical Writers | $87,190 |
Photographers Salaries in Other Cities
| City | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $92,110 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $83,790 |
| Salem, OR | $77,530 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $76,480 |
| Washington, DC | $75,050 |
| New York, NY | $71,850 |
| San Jose, CA | $70,460 |
| Bend, OR | $69,880 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Photographers salary in Chicago, IL?
The average Photographers salary in Chicago, IL is $42,740 per year, according to BLS OEWS.
What is the median Photographers salary in Chicago, IL?
The median Photographers salary in Chicago, IL is $34,950 per year. Half of Photographerss earn more than this and half earn less.
How much do entry-level Photographerss make in Chicago, IL?
Entry-level Photographerss in Chicago, IL typically earn around $29,120 per year (10th percentile). Workers in the 25th percentile earn about $30,280.
What do the highest-paid Photographerss earn in Chicago, IL?
The highest-paid Photographerss in Chicago, IL earn $65,140 or more per year (90th percentile). The 75th percentile wage is $48,710.
How many Photographerss work in Chicago, IL?
There are approximately 1,970 Photographerss employed in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area, per BLS OEWS.