How to Become a Photographers in California
Photographers in California earn a median salary of $50,610/year, which is 19% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~2.6%. After taxes and rent, a photographers takes home approximately $2,036/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a photographers can afford in California
Becoming a photographers in California
Meet education requirements
Photographers positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many photographers positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain California licensure or certification
California may require specific licensing or professional certification for photographerss. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in California
California employs 7,300 photographers. The highest concentrations are in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont and Santa Maria-Santa Barbara.
Photographers salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $75K | $36.09/hr | 980 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $61K | $29.29/hr | 50 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $60K | $28.97/hr | 3,550 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $56K | $26.88/hr | 40 |
| Vallejo | $48K | $22.95/hr | 70 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles | $47K | $22.35/hr | 40 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $46K | $22.2/hr | 230 |
| Stockton-Lodi | $46K | $22.06/hr | 30 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $45K | $21.75/hr | 100 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $45K | $21.51/hr | 310 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $44K | $21.09/hr | 660 |
| Bakersfield-Delano | $44K | $20.98/hr | 50 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $42K | $20.21/hr | 490 |
| Fresno | $39K | $18.92/hr | 130 |
Photographers salary range in California
Photographers careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a photographers make in California?▼
The median photographers salary in California is $50,610 per year ($24.33/hr). This is 19% above the national median of $42,520. Salaries range from $35,750 to $131,250.
What are the requirements to become a photographers in California?▼
Photographers positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a photographers afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $50,610, a photographers in California would take home approximately $3,448/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 41% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for photographers in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for photographers in California are San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($75,070), Santa Maria-Santa Barbara ($60,910), Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim ($60,250). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for photographers?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 2.6%. On a $50,610 salary, this means roughly $1,327/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.