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Photographer Salary in Wilkes-Barre, PA

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

Median Salary
$49,284
per year in Wilkes-Barre
Entry Level
$27,723
Starting salary
Senior Level
$73,927
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
84
16% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how photographer salaries break down across different pay periods in Wilkes-Barre.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$27,723$49,284$73,927
Monthly$2,310$4,107$6,161
Biweekly$1,066$1,896$2,843
Weekly$533$948$1,422
Hourly$13$24$36

Wilkes-Barre vs National Average

How Wilkes-Barre's photographer salaries compare to national figures.

Wilkes-Barre Salary
$49,284
COL Index: 84
National Average
$61,760
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$12,476
Lower in Wilkes-Barre

Cost of Living in Wilkes-Barre

1-Bedroom Rent
$800
per month
Median Income
$32,580
per year
Population
44,328
residents
Rent % of Income
29.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 84 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Wilkes-Barre 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
+22%
Los Angeles, CA
$60,250
+22%
Chicago, IL
$34,950
-29%
Houston, TX
$38,480
-22%
Phoenix, AZ
$37,560
-24%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Photographer Salary in Wilkes-Barre, PA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a photographer in Wilkes-Barre, PA is $49,284 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 84. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Wilkes-Barre's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level photographer professionals in Wilkes-Barre can expect to earn around $27,723 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level photographers earning approximately $73,927 per year. This represents a 167% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Wilkes-Barre's cost of living index of 84 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $800 per month, housing represents about 19.5% 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 Wilkes-Barre, 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.