Photographers in California
Local pay for photographers in California, on the same wage scale as the U.S. Growth and openings are national.
SOC 27-4021
$47,840
median pay, California
7,980
employed in California
+7.1%
vs U.S. median
+1.8%
growth, 2024–34 (U.S.)
What photographers earn in California
California · annual wage · OEWS May 2025
Half of photographers in California earn between $38,410 and $72,100 a year; the U.S. median is $44,660.
$36,470
P10
$47,840
MEDIAN
$72,100
P75
$125,490
P90
Pay by metro in California
$58,840
$56,220
$55,220
$52,470
$50,500
$48,790
$47,840
$46,620
$20k $80k $140k