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Photographer Salary in Long Beach, CA

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

Median Salary
$60,250
per year in Long Beach
Entry Level
$33,891
Starting salary
Senior Level
$90,375
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
164
64% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$33,891$60,250$90,375
Monthly$2,824$5,021$7,531
Biweekly$1,304$2,317$3,476
Weekly$652$1,159$1,738
Hourly$16$29$43

Long Beach vs National Average

How Long Beach's photographer salaries compare to national figures.

Long Beach Salary
$60,250
COL Index: 164
National Average
$61,760
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$1,510
Lower in Long Beach

Cost of Living in Long Beach

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,400
per month
Median Income
$68,234
per year
Population
466,742
residents
Rent % of Income
42.2%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 164 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Long Beach 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
+0%
Los Angeles, CA
$60,250
0%
Chicago, IL
$34,950
-42%
Houston, TX
$38,480
-36%
Phoenix, AZ
$37,560
-38%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Photographer Salary in Long Beach, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a photographer in Long Beach, CA is $60,250 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 164. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Long Beach's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level photographer professionals in Long Beach can expect to earn around $33,891 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level photographers earning approximately $90,375 per year. This represents a 167% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Long Beach's cost of living index of 164 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Long Beach 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 Long Beach typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,400 per month, housing represents about 47.8% 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 Long Beach, 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.