Home / City Job Salaries / Photographer in Atlanta

Photographer Salary in Atlanta, GA

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

Median Salary
$40,250
per year in Atlanta
Entry Level
$22,641
Starting salary
Senior Level
$60,375
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
111
11% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$22,641$40,250$60,375
Monthly$1,887$3,354$5,031
Biweekly$871$1,548$2,322
Weekly$435$774$1,161
Hourly$11$19$29

Atlanta vs National Average

How Atlanta's photographer salaries compare to national figures.

Atlanta Salary
$40,250
COL Index: 111
National Average
$61,760
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$21,510
Lower in Atlanta

Cost of Living in Atlanta

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,600
per month
Median Income
$62,348
per year
Population
498,044
residents
Rent % of Income
30.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 111 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Atlanta 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
+50%
Los Angeles, CA
$60,250
+50%
Chicago, IL
$34,950
-13%
Houston, TX
$38,480
-4%
Phoenix, AZ
$37,560
-7%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a photographer salary in Atlanta.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Atlanta.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Atlanta.

Photographer Salary in Atlanta, GA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a photographer in Atlanta, GA is $40,250 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 111. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Atlanta's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level photographer professionals in Atlanta can expect to earn around $22,641 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level photographers earning approximately $60,375 per year. This represents a 167% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Atlanta's cost of living index of 111 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Atlanta 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 Atlanta typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,600 per month, housing represents about 47.7% 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 Atlanta, 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.