Photographers pay in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria

In Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (DC), the median pay for photographers is $26.22 an hour ($54,530 a year). About 1,060 people work in this job there.

$26.22Median hourly pay
$41,460–$92,360Middle half of workers, yearly
1,060People in this job in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (DC)

That is 22% higher than the U.S. median ($44,660). It is 51% lower than the District of Columbia median ($110,970).

Pay range for photographers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (DC)

Earns more thanHourlyYearly
10% of workers$17.04$35,440
25% of workers$19.94$41,460
Half of workers (median)$26.22$54,530
75% of workers$44.41$92,360
90% of workers$60.01$124,830

Photographers pay in District of Columbia metro areas

Metro areaMedian yearly payPeople in this job
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (this page)$54,5301,060

District of Columbia unemployment rate: 5.7% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Education, experience and outlook for photographers

  • Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent (BLS)
  • Related work experience most have: 1 to 2 years (O*NET)
  • Training on the job: Moderate-term on-the-job training (BLS)
  • Job outlook: -0.7% over ten years, little or no change · about 10,700 openings a year (BLS)

Related jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (DC)

JobMedian yearly pay
Graphic Designers$85,420
Writers and Authors$108,460
Audio and Video Technicians$74,380

Other job titles for this job

Photo EditorAdvertising PhotographerAerial PhotographerAutomotive PhotographerBiological PhotographerBiomedical PhotographerCommercial PhotographerCrime Scene PhotographerDigital PhotographerEvent PhotographerFashion PhotographerFinish Photographer

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.