Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Developing original ideas, approaches, designs, or solutions.
Understanding customer needs and providing helpful, professional service.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Photographers typically need a high school diploma to enter the occupation. Many photographers take classes or earn a certificate or degree in photography or a related field to improve their skills. PayThe median hourly wage for photographers was $21.47 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of photographers is projected to decline 1 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 10,700 openings for photographers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for photographers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of photographers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about photographers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
The median hourly wage for photographers was $21.47 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of photographers is projected to decline 1 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 10,700 openings for photographers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for photographers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of photographers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about photographers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of photographers is projected to decline 1 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 10,700 openings for photographers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for photographers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of photographers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about photographers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Photographers use their technical expertise and creativity to produce and preserve images of people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects.
Work Environment
Many photographers are self-employed. They work in varied settings, including in studios and on location. Travel may be required. Part-time work is common, and work schedules may vary.
How to Become a Photographer
Photographers typically need a high school diploma to enter the occupation. Many photographers take classes or earn a certificate or degree in photography or a related field to improve their skills.
Pay
The median hourly wage for photographers was $21.47 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of photographers is projected to decline 1 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 10,700 openings for photographers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for photographers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of photographers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about photographers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Many photographers are self-employed. They work in varied settings, including in studios and on location. Travel may be required. Part-time work is common, and work schedules may vary.
How to Become a Photographer
Photographers typically need a high school diploma to enter the occupation. Many photographers take classes or earn a certificate or degree in photography or a related field to improve their skills.
Pay
The median hourly wage for photographers was $21.47 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of photographers is projected to decline 1 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 10,700 openings for photographers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for photographers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of photographers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about photographers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for photographers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of photographers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about photographers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about photographers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Explore Training Options
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.