Photographers Salary in Kentucky
The median pay for a photographers in Kentucky is $42,000/year ($20.19/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $21K at the entry level to $64K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Kentucky. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $42K get you in Kentucky?
About photographers
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Kentucky
Entry-level photographers (10th percentile) start around $21K. Mid-career wages sit at $42K. Top earners bring in $64K or more, a $43K spread from bottom to top.
Photographers salary by metro in Kentucky
3 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville/Jefferson County | $45K | +8% | 100 |
| Lexington-Fayette | $44K | +6% | 50 |
| Bowling Green | $40K | -5% | 30 |
Compare to other states
Track photographers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Kentucky numbers change.
Related careers in Arts & Media
Frequently asked questions
How much do photographers make in Kentucky?
The median is $42,000 a year, that works out to about $20 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $21,310, and experienced photographers can clear $63,930. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $42K enough to live in Kentucky?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,842/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,110/month, which eats 39.1% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb, housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a photographers salary go in Kentucky?
Kentucky has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median photographers salary is worth about $46,548 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do photographers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.