Photographers Salary in California
Photographers in California earn a median of $47,840 a year, +7% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $47,840
- vs. U.S. median
- +7% ($44,660)
- Rank among states
- 10 of 49
- Jobs in the state
- 7,980
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $36,470; the top 10% earn over $125,490. Nationally the range is $30,820 to $91,810.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers$47,010 median in California
- Floral Designers$47,040 median in California
- Craft Artists$100,540 median in California
- Film and Video Editors$88,490 median in California
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers$60,790 median in California
- Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators$58,240 median in California
Photographers pay in California
How much do photographers make in California?
The median is $47,840 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $36,470 and the top 10% earn over $125,490. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for photographers?
On pay alone it ranks 10 of 49 (+7% vs. the national median of $44,660). Living costs are not included.