Photographers Salary in Illinois
Photographers in Illinois earn a median of $36,570 a year, −18% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $36,570
- vs. U.S. median
- −18% ($44,660)
- Rank among states
- 44 of 49
- Jobs in the state
- 2,150
Pay range in Illinois
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $31,200; the top 10% earn over $96,770. Nationally the range is $30,820 to $91,810.
States ranked near Illinois
Similar jobs in Illinois
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers$40,270 median in Illinois
- Floral Designers$35,880 median in Illinois
- Craft Artists$43,040 median in Illinois
- Film and Video Editors$72,460 median in Illinois
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers$54,990 median in Illinois
- Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators$53,850 median in Illinois
Photographers pay in Illinois
How much do photographers make in Illinois?
The median is $36,570 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $31,200 and the top 10% earn over $96,770. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is Illinois a good state for photographers?
On pay alone it ranks 44 of 49 (−18% vs. the national median of $44,660). Living costs are not included.