How to Become a Photographer
Make a living behind the camera, from portraits and events to commercial and editorial work. It typically requires a postsecondary certificate, with a median salary of $44,660 per year and slower than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$44,660/yr
Job growth
1%
Openings / yr
12,700
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Photography
- Lighting
- Photo Editing
- Client Relationships
- Business Basics
Helpful certifications
- Portfolio
- PPA Certified Professional Photographer
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
null/100
Work-life balance
null/100
Stress level
null/100
Satisfaction
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Related careers
- Art Director$114,850 median
- Animator / Special Effects Artist$102,030 median
- Industrial Designer$83,910 median
- Fashion Designer$80,960 median
- Editor$77,920 median
- Writer / Author$76,910 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Photographer make?
The median pay for a Photographer is $44,660 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Photographer?
The usual entry point is a postsecondary certificate. Common majors are Photography, Fine Arts, and Digital Media.
Is Photographer a growing field?
The BLS projects slower than average demand for this role, about 1% over the decade, with roughly 12,700 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Photographer use most?
Common skills for this role are Photography, Lighting, Photo Editing, Client Relationships, and Business Basics.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.