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Arts, Media & Design career
Photographer
Also called: Portrait Photographer · Wedding Photographer · Commercial Photographer · Photojournalist
What photographers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a photographer do?
Photographers use technical and artistic skills to create images for portraits, events, products, news, real estate and advertising. The median pay is $44,660 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 6 months–2 years, and employment is projected to grow -0.7% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$44,660$21.47/hour · May 2025
- Job growth-0.7%2025–35, little or no change
- Openings per year10,700Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to train6 months–2 yearsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs145,000Employment, 2025
What photographers do
Photographers tell stories with images. They plan shoots, set up lighting, direct subjects, capture photos, edit and retouch images and deliver them to clients. Specialties include portraits, weddings, events, products, real estate, journalism and fine art. Many run their own businesses.
No degree is required, though many take photography courses. Portfolios, technical skill and business savvy determine success. Drone photographers need an FAA Part 107 certificate.
Typical duties
- Plan shoots with clients
- Set up lighting and equipment
- Direct subjects and compose shots
- Capture images
- Edit and retouch photos
- Deliver images and products
- Market and run a photography business
Work environment and schedule
Photographers work in studios, on location, at events and at home editing. Some travel widely.
Schedule: Hours vary widely; weddings and events mean weekends and evenings.
A day in the life
- Review the shot list for a product shoot.
- Set up lights and shoot products in the studio.
- Edit and retouch the product images.
- Meet a couple to plan their wedding photos.
See a full day in the life of a photographer →
Photographer salary
Half of photographers earned more than $44,660 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $30,820 for the lowest 10% to $91,810 for the top 10%.
Full photographer pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a photographer
- Learn camera basics
- Practice constantly
- Build a portfolio
- Assist or second-shoot
- Grow your business
A high school diploma is typical; many photographers take courses or earn degrees. Skills and portfolios matter most.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a photographer →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Camera operation
- Lighting
- Composition
- Photo editing
- Retouching
People skills
- Creativity
- People skills
- Patience
- Self-motivation
All photographer skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Creative and varied work
- Run your own business
- Flexible schedules
- Capture meaningful moments
Cons
- Irregular income
- Weekend work
- Expensive equipment
- Competitive market
Certifications and licenses
- Certified Professional Photographer (CPP): Professional Photographers of America credential.
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate: Required for commercial drone photography.
- Adobe Lightroom training: Editing skills.
- Business courses: For running a photography business.
Career path
- Photo Assistant or Second Shooter: Assist professionals.
- Photographer: Shoot for clients.
- Specialist Photographer: Focus on a niche.
- Studio Owner or Creative Director: Run a business or lead teams.
Learn the job before day one
Our Photographer training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as expose a photo correctly and shoot a portrait session, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Photographer vs. Video Editor · Photographer vs. Camera Operator · Photographer vs. Graphic Designer · Photographer vs. Journalist
Photographer FAQ
Do photographers need a degree?
No; portfolios matter most.
Is photography a good business?
It can be, with strong marketing and a niche.
Do drone photographers need a license?
Yes, FAA Part 107 for commercial work.
How much does a photographer make?
The median annual wage for photographers was $44,660 ($21.47 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $30,820 and the highest 10% earned more than $91,810.
How long does it take to become a photographer?
Most people need about 6 months–2 years of training. A high school diploma is typical; many photographers take courses or earn degrees. Skills and portfolios matter most.
Do you need a degree to be a photographer?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 27-4021 (Photographers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Photographers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.