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Photographer Salary in Cary, NC

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

Median Salary
$43,780
per year in Cary
Entry Level
$24,626
Starting salary
Senior Level
$65,670
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
108
8% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$24,626$43,780$65,670
Monthly$2,052$3,648$5,473
Biweekly$947$1,684$2,526
Weekly$474$842$1,263
Hourly$12$21$32

Cary vs National Average

How Cary's photographer salaries compare to national figures.

Cary Salary
$43,780
COL Index: 108
National Average
$61,760
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$17,980
Lower in Cary

Cost of Living in Cary

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,450
per month
Median Income
$102,340
per year
Population
174,721
residents
Rent % of Income
17.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 108 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Cary 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
+38%
Los Angeles, CA
$60,250
+38%
Chicago, IL
$34,950
-20%
Houston, TX
$38,480
-12%
Phoenix, AZ
$37,560
-14%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Photographer Salary in Cary, NC — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a photographer in Cary, NC is $43,780 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 108. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Cary's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level photographer professionals in Cary can expect to earn around $24,626 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level photographers earning approximately $65,670 per year. This represents a 167% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Cary's cost of living index of 108 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Cary 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 Cary typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,450 per month, housing represents about 39.7% 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 Cary, 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.