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Photographer Salary in Staunton, VA

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

Median Salary
$58,697
per year in Staunton
Entry Level
$33,017
Starting salary
Senior Level
$88,045
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
88
12% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$33,017$58,697$88,045
Monthly$2,751$4,891$7,337
Biweekly$1,270$2,258$3,386
Weekly$635$1,129$1,693
Hourly$16$28$42

Staunton vs National Average

How Staunton's photographer salaries compare to national figures.

Staunton Salary
$58,697
COL Index: 88
National Average
$61,760
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$3,063
Lower in Staunton

Cost of Living in Staunton

1-Bedroom Rent
$850
per month
Median Income
$42,821
per year
Population
25,750
residents
Rent % of Income
23.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 88 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Staunton 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
+3%
Los Angeles, CA
$60,250
+3%
Chicago, IL
$34,950
-40%
Houston, TX
$38,480
-34%
Phoenix, AZ
$37,560
-36%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Photographer Salary in Staunton, VA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a photographer in Staunton, VA is $58,697 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 88. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Staunton's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level photographer professionals in Staunton can expect to earn around $33,017 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level photographers earning approximately $88,045 per year. This represents a 167% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Staunton's cost of living index of 88 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Staunton 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 Staunton typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $850 per month, housing represents about 17.4% 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 Staunton, 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.