Photographer salary
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
A photographer earns a median of $44,660 a year ($21.47 an hour) in the US, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025). The average is $55,410. About 51,760 people work in this job.
Take-home pay on $44,660
- Gross pay
- $1,717.69
- Federal income tax
- −$122.28
- Social Security (6.2%)
- −$106.50
- Medicare (1.45%)
- −$24.91
- Texas income tax
- $0.00No state income tax on wages
- Take-home pay
- $1,464.01
Annual breakdown
- Gross
- $44,660
- Federal
- $3,179
- FICA
- $3,416
- State + local
- $0
- Net
- $38,064
- Marginal federal rate
- 12.0%
- Marginal state rate
- 0.0%
2026 federal brackets (Rev. Proc. 2025-32) and 2026 state rules. Estimates assume wages are your only income and use annual liability, so your actual withholding can differ slightly.
Similar jobs
- Craft Artist: $46,080
- Coach and Scout: $47,320
- Broadcast Announcer and Radio Disc Jockey: $47,340
- Umpire: $40,710
- Merchandise Displayer and Window Trimmer: $39,390
- Floral Designer: $37,360
- Choreographer: $55,310
- Fine Artist: $55,490
BLS occupation: Photographers. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (SOC 27-4021). Excludes the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a photographer make an hour?
The median hourly wage is $21.47; the average is $26.64.
What is the salary range for a photographer?
The bottom 10% earn under $30,820 and the top 10% earn over $91,810 a year.
How much is $44,660 after taxes?
About $38,064 a year in Texas (no state income tax) or $36,715 in California for a single filer in 2026.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.