How to Become a Photographers in Illinois
Photographers in Illinois earn a median salary of $34,600/year, which is 19% below the national average. Illinois has a state income tax of ~5.0%. After taxes and rent, a photographers takes home approximately $932/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a photographers can afford in Illinois
Becoming a photographers in Illinois
Meet education requirements
Photographers positions in Illinois typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Illinois. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many photographers positions in Illinois require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Illinois licensure or certification
Illinois may require specific licensing or professional certification for photographerss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Illinois Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Illinois
Illinois employs 2,530 photographers. The highest concentrations are in Rockford and Chicago-Naperville-Elgin.
Photographers salary by metro area in Illinois
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockford | $35K | $16.9/hr | 40 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | $35K | $16.8/hr | 1,970 |
| Springfield | $31K | $14.99/hr | 40 |
| Peoria | $29K | $14.01/hr | 50 |
Photographers salary range in Illinois
Photographers careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a photographers make in Illinois?▼
The median photographers salary in Illinois is $34,600 per year ($16.64/hr). This is 19% below the national median of $42,520. Salaries range from $29,120 to $62,360.
What are the requirements to become a photographers in Illinois?▼
Photographers positions in Illinois typically require Bachelor's degree. Illinois may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Illinois licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a photographers afford to live in Illinois?▼
At the median salary of $34,600, a photographers in Illinois would take home approximately $2,344/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 60.2% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for photographers in Illinois?▼
The highest paying metro areas for photographers in Illinois are Rockford ($35,140), Chicago-Naperville-Elgin ($34,950), Springfield ($31,180). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Illinois have state income tax for photographers?▼
Yes, Illinois has a state income tax rate of approximately 5.0%. On a $34,600 salary, this means roughly $1,713/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.