Home / City Job Salaries / Photographer in Madison

Photographer Salary in Madison, WI

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

Median Salary
$57,252
per year in Madison
Entry Level
$32,204
Starting salary
Senior Level
$85,877
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
103
3% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$32,204$57,252$85,877
Monthly$2,684$4,771$7,156
Biweekly$1,239$2,202$3,303
Weekly$619$1,101$1,651
Hourly$15$28$41

Madison vs National Average

How Madison's photographer salaries compare to national figures.

Madison Salary
$57,252
COL Index: 103
National Average
$61,760
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$4,508
Lower in Madison

Cost of Living in Madison

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,350
per month
Median Income
$57,456
per year
Population
269,840
residents
Rent % of Income
28.2%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 103 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Madison 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
+5%
Los Angeles, CA
$60,250
+5%
Chicago, IL
$34,950
-39%
Houston, TX
$38,480
-33%
Phoenix, AZ
$37,560
-34%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

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 Madison.

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 Madison.

Photographer Salary in Madison, WI — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a photographer in Madison, WI is $57,252 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 103. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Madison's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level photographer professionals in Madison can expect to earn around $32,204 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level photographers earning approximately $85,877 per year. This represents a 167% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Madison's cost of living index of 103 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Madison 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 Madison typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,350 per month, housing represents about 28.3% 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 Madison, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. 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.