Photographers Salary in North Carolina
The median pay for a photographers in North Carolina is $38,400/year ($18.46/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $28K at the entry level to $76K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across North Carolina. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $38K get you in North Carolina?
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, North Carolina
Entry-level photographers (10th percentile) start around $28K. Mid-career wages sit at $38K. Top earners bring in $76K or more, a $48K spread from bottom to top.
Photographers salary by metro in North Carolina
9 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point | $48K | +26% | 140 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia | $47K | +21% | 410 |
| Asheville | $47K | +21% | 70 |
| Raleigh-Cary | $44K | +14% | 270 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill | $39K | +2% | 180 |
| Wilmington | $36K | -5% | 80 |
| Winston-Salem | $36K | -6% | 80 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton | $36K | -6% | 40 |
| Fayetteville | $35K | -9% | 30 |
Compare to other states
Track photographers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when North Carolina numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do photographers make in North Carolina?
The median is $38,400 a year, that works out to about $18 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $28,410, and experienced photographers can clear $76,380. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $38K enough to live in North Carolina?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,597/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,284/month, which eats 49.4% 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 North Carolina?
North Carolina 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 $41,442 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.