Photographers

O*NET 27-4021.00 · SOC 27-4021

Projected Growth
+4%
2024–2034
Median Salary
$45k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
7k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 3
Medium preparation needed (vocational or associate's)

What You'd Actually Do

  • Plan and execute photo shoots
  • Edit and retouch images
  • Manage client relationships
  • Maintain photography equipment
  • Deliver final images to specifications

Education & How to Get In

📋
Job Zone 3
Medium preparation needed (vocational or associate's)

Most Photographers positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as a Photographers? These platforms offer courses you can start today — many with free trials or financial aid.

Coursera
University-backed courses and certificates
Browse courses →
Udemy
Affordable self-paced courses from $12.99
Browse courses →
Skillshare
Creative and professional skill classes
Browse courses →
LinkedIn Learning
Professional development with certificates
Browse courses →

Links open in a new tab. Some may include affiliate partnerships.

Work Environment

Primary Setting

Hands-on — labs, workshops, or field sites

Work Style

Mixed — alternates between solo focused work and collaboration

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Photographers involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningPlan and execute photo shoots
MiddayEdit and retouch images
AfternoonManage client relationships

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Realistic (Doers)5.5
Artistic (Creators)5.3
Conventional (Organizers)3.4
Enterprising (Persuaders)2.3
Investigative (Thinkers)2.2
Social (Helpers)1.9

Who Thrives as Photographer?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering — personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ISFPThe ComposerISTPThe CraftspersonESTPThe DynamoINTJThe Strategist

Not sure which you are? Take the free 5-minute quiz →

See Open Photographers Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

IndeedLinkedIn JobsZipRecruiter

Similar Careers

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film+4%Craft Artists+4%Sound Engineering Technicians+4%Floral Designers+4%Interior Designers+1%Motion Picture Projectionists+6%Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners+5%Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance+6%

Explore More Careers

Best Trades & Skilled Labor Careers →Best Creative Careers →Browse all careers →

Is Photographers right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the free quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

Take the assessment →

Free · No account required · 5 minutes