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Photographer Salary in Denver, CO

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

Median Salary
$44,810
per year in Denver
Entry Level
$25,206
Starting salary
Senior Level
$67,215
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
129
29% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$25,206$44,810$67,215
Monthly$2,101$3,734$5,601
Biweekly$969$1,723$2,585
Weekly$485$862$1,293
Hourly$12$22$32

Denver vs National Average

How Denver's photographer salaries compare to national figures.

Denver Salary
$44,810
COL Index: 129
National Average
$61,760
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$16,950
Lower in Denver

Cost of Living in Denver

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,850
per month
Median Income
$69,452
per year
Population
727,211
residents
Rent % of Income
32.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 129 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Denver 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
+35%
Los Angeles, CA
$60,250
+34%
Chicago, IL
$34,950
-22%
Houston, TX
$38,480
-14%
Phoenix, AZ
$37,560
-16%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Photographer Salary in Denver, CO — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a photographer in Denver, CO is $44,810 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 129. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Denver's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level photographer professionals in Denver can expect to earn around $25,206 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level photographers earning approximately $67,215 per year. This represents a 167% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Denver's cost of living index of 129 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Denver 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 Denver typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,850 per month, housing represents about 49.5% 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 Denver, 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.