Photographers vs. Coaches and Scouts: Who Earns More?
Coaches and Scouts out-earn Photographers by $3K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Photographers land at $44,660 and Coaches and Scouts at $47,320. The education gap is real: photographer programs typically require bachelor's degree, while coaches and scout programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Photographers is District of Columbia ($110,970); for Coaches and Scouts it's New Jersey ($76,700).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Photographers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Photographers or Coaches and Scouts?
Coaches and Scouts earn more nationally. The median is $44,660 for Photographers versus $47,320 for Coaches and Scouts, a difference of $3K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Photographers or Coaches and Scouts?
Coaches and Scouts has the better 10-year outlook at 6.4% projected growth, compared to 1.8% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Photographers or Coaches and Scouts?
Photographers typically requires bachelor's degree. Coaches and Scouts requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Photographers get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Photographers at $110,970/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Photographers vs. Coaches and Scouts pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Photographers earn $110,970 vs. $65,360 for Coaches and Scouts. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.