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Photographer Salary in Albuquerque, NM

How much does a photographer make in Albuquerque? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Albuquerque's cost of living.

Median Salary
$41,600
per year in Albuquerque
Entry Level
$23,400
Starting salary
Senior Level
$62,400
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
98
2% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how photographer salaries break down across different pay periods in Albuquerque.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$23,400$41,600$62,400
Monthly$1,950$3,467$5,200
Biweekly$900$1,600$2,400
Weekly$450$800$1,200
Hourly$11$20$30

Albuquerque vs National Average

How Albuquerque's photographer salaries compare to national figures.

Albuquerque Salary
$41,600
COL Index: 98
National Average
$61,760
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$20,160
Lower in Albuquerque

Cost of Living in Albuquerque

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,300
per month
Median Income
$54,123
per year
Population
564,559
residents
Rent % of Income
28.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 98 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Albuquerque have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Photographer

Overview

Capture images for clients and organizations.

Education

High school diploma; certificate or degree in photography preferred

Key Skills

PhotographyPhoto EditingLightingComposition

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +16% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Photographer Salary

See Photographer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$60,270
+45%
Los Angeles, CA
$60,250
+45%
Chicago, IL
$34,950
-16%
Houston, TX
$38,480
-7%
Phoenix, AZ
$37,560
-10%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Photographer Salary in Albuquerque, NM — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a photographer in Albuquerque, NM is $41,600 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 98. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Albuquerque's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level photographer professionals in Albuquerque can expect to earn around $23,400 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level photographers earning approximately $62,400 per year. This represents a 167% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Albuquerque's cost of living index of 98 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Albuquerque are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $61,760, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a photographer's salary in Albuquerque typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,300 per month, housing represents about 37.5% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Photographers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 16% over the next decade. In Albuquerque, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.