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Photographer Salary in Scottsdale, AZ

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

Median Salary
$37,560
per year in Scottsdale
Entry Level
$21,128
Starting salary
Senior Level
$56,340
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
143
43% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

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

Scottsdale vs National Average

How Scottsdale's photographer salaries compare to national figures.

Scottsdale Salary
$37,560
COL Index: 143
National Average
$61,760
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$24,200
Lower in Scottsdale

Cost of Living in Scottsdale

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,950
per month
Median Income
$79,456
per year
Population
258,069
residents
Rent % of Income
29.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 143 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Scottsdale 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

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Photographer Salary in Scottsdale, AZ — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a photographer in Scottsdale, AZ is $37,560 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 143. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Scottsdale's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level photographer professionals in Scottsdale 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

Scottsdale's cost of living index of 143 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,950 per month, housing represents about 62.3% 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 Scottsdale, 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.