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Photographer Salary in Sacramento, CA

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

Median Salary
$44,740
per year in Sacramento
Entry Level
$25,166
Starting salary
Senior Level
$67,110
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
141
41% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$25,166$44,740$67,110
Monthly$2,097$3,728$5,593
Biweekly$968$1,721$2,581
Weekly$484$860$1,291
Hourly$12$22$32

Sacramento vs National Average

How Sacramento's photographer salaries compare to national figures.

Sacramento Salary
$44,740
COL Index: 141
National Average
$61,760
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$17,020
Lower in Sacramento

Cost of Living in Sacramento

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,950
per month
Median Income
$63,456
per year
Population
525,453
residents
Rent % of Income
36.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 141 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Sacramento 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
+35%
Los Angeles, CA
$60,250
+35%
Chicago, IL
$34,950
-22%
Houston, TX
$38,480
-14%
Phoenix, AZ
$37,560
-16%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Photographer Salary in Sacramento, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a photographer in Sacramento, CA is $44,740 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 141. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Sacramento's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level photographer professionals in Sacramento can expect to earn around $25,166 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level photographers earning approximately $67,110 per year. This represents a 167% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Sacramento's cost of living index of 141 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Sacramento 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 Sacramento typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,950 per month, housing represents about 52.3% 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 Sacramento, 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.