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Photographer Salary in Mesa, AZ

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

Median Salary
$37,560
per year in Mesa
Entry Level
$21,128
Starting salary
Senior Level
$56,340
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
104
4% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$21,128$37,560$56,340
Monthly$1,761$3,130$4,695
Biweekly$813$1,445$2,167
Weekly$406$722$1,083
Hourly$10$18$27

Mesa vs National Average

How Mesa's photographer salaries compare to national figures.

Mesa Salary
$37,560
COL Index: 104
National Average
$61,760
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$24,200
Lower in Mesa

Cost of Living in Mesa

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,400
per month
Median Income
$58,234
per year
Population
457,587
residents
Rent % of Income
28.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 104 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Mesa 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
+60%
Los Angeles, CA
$60,250
+60%
Chicago, IL
$34,950
-7%
Houston, TX
$38,480
+2%
Phoenix, AZ
$37,560
0%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Photographer Salary in Mesa, AZ — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a photographer in Mesa, AZ is $37,560 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 104. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Mesa's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level photographer professionals in Mesa can expect to earn around $21,128 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level photographers earning approximately $56,340 per year. This represents a 167% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Mesa's cost of living index of 104 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Mesa 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 Mesa typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,400 per month, housing represents about 44.7% 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 Mesa, 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.