How to Become a Photographers in North Carolina
Photographers in North Carolina earn a median salary of $37,120/year, which is 17% below the national average. North Carolina has a state income tax of ~4.5%. After taxes and rent, a photographers takes home approximately $1,285/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a photographers can afford in North Carolina
Becoming a photographers in North Carolina
Meet education requirements
Photographers positions in North Carolina typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across North Carolina. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many photographers positions in North Carolina require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain North Carolina licensure or certification
North Carolina may require specific licensing or professional certification for photographerss. Requirements vary by state, contact the North Carolina Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in North Carolina
North Carolina employs 2,130 photographers. The highest concentrations are in Greensboro-High Point and Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton.
Photographers salary by metro area in North Carolina
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point | $45K | $21.63/hr | 180 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton | $45K | $21.56/hr | 30 |
| Raleigh-Cary | $41K | $19.78/hr | 300 |
| Winston-Salem | $39K | $18.67/hr | 120 |
| Wilmington | $38K | $18.12/hr | 80 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia | $37K | $17.7/hr | 690 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill | $37K | $17.63/hr | 210 |
| Asheville | $35K | $16.88/hr | 160 |
| Fayetteville | $35K | $16.61/hr | 30 |
Photographers salary range in North Carolina
Photographers careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a photographers make in North Carolina?▼
The median photographers salary in North Carolina is $37,120 per year ($17.84/hr). This is 17% below the national median of $44,660. Salaries range from $28,330 to $76,060.
What are the requirements to become a photographers in North Carolina?▼
Photographers positions in North Carolina typically require Bachelor's degree. North Carolina may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the North Carolina licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a photographers afford to live in North Carolina?▼
At the median salary of $37,120, a photographers in North Carolina would take home approximately $2,516/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,231/month, that's 48.9% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for photographers in North Carolina?▼
The highest paying metro areas for photographers in North Carolina are Greensboro-High Point ($44,990), Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton ($44,840), Raleigh-Cary ($41,130). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros, a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does North Carolina have state income tax for photographers?▼
Yes, North Carolina has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.5%. On a $37,120 salary, this means roughly $1,670/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.