Home / City Job Salaries / Photographer in Olympia

Photographer Salary in Olympia, WA

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

Median Salary
$76,088
per year in Olympia
Entry Level
$42,800
Starting salary
Senior Level
$114,132
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
110
10% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$42,800$76,088$114,132
Monthly$3,567$6,341$9,511
Biweekly$1,646$2,926$4,390
Weekly$823$1,463$2,195
Hourly$21$37$55

Olympia vs National Average

How Olympia's photographer salaries compare to national figures.

Olympia Salary
$76,088
COL Index: 110
National Average
$61,760
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$14,328
Higher in Olympia

Cost of Living in Olympia

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,300
per month
Median Income
$56,120
per year
Population
55,605
residents
Rent % of Income
27.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 110 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Olympia 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
-21%
Los Angeles, CA
$60,250
-21%
Chicago, IL
$34,950
-54%
Houston, TX
$38,480
-49%
Phoenix, AZ
$37,560
-51%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

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 Olympia.

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 Olympia.

Photographer Salary in Olympia, WA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a photographer in Olympia, WA is $76,088 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 110. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Olympia's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level photographer professionals in Olympia can expect to earn around $42,800 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level photographers earning approximately $114,132 per year. This represents a 167% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Olympia's cost of living index of 110 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Olympia 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 Olympia typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,300 per month, housing represents about 20.5% 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 Olympia, 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.