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Photographer Salary in Missoula, MT

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

Median Salary
$60,550
per year in Missoula
Entry Level
$34,059
Starting salary
Senior Level
$90,824
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
114
14% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$34,059$60,550$90,824
Monthly$2,838$5,046$7,569
Biweekly$1,310$2,329$3,493
Weekly$655$1,164$1,747
Hourly$16$29$44

Missoula vs National Average

How Missoula's photographer salaries compare to national figures.

Missoula Salary
$60,550
COL Index: 114
National Average
$61,760
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$1,210
Lower in Missoula

Cost of Living in Missoula

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,700
per month
Median Income
$56,234
per year
Population
74,962
residents
Rent % of Income
36.3%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 114 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Missoula 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 Missoula, MT — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a photographer in Missoula, MT is $60,550 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 114. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Missoula's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level photographer professionals in Missoula can expect to earn around $34,059 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level photographers earning approximately $90,824 per year. This represents a 167% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Missoula's cost of living index of 114 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Missoula 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 Missoula typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,700 per month, housing represents about 33.7% 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 Missoula, 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.