Photographers Salary in Tennessee
The median pay for a photographers in Tennessee is $36,000/year ($17.31/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $28K at the entry level to $64K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Tennessee. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $36K get you in Tennessee?
About photographers
Sponsored links — AffordMap may earn a commission at no cost to you. Learn more
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Tennessee
Entry-level photographers (10th percentile) start around $28K. Mid-career wages sit at $36K. Top earners bring in $64K or more, a $37K spread from bottom to top.
Photographers salary by metro in Tennessee
5 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kingsport-Bristol | $44K | +22% | 40 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin | $41K | +13% | 340 |
| Knoxville | $36K | -1% | 130 |
| Memphis | $35K | -2% | 150 |
| Chattanooga | $31K | -13% | 60 |
Compare to other states
Track photographers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Tennessee numbers change.
Related careers in Arts & Media
Frequently asked questions
How much do photographers make in Tennessee?
The median is $36,000 a year, that works out to about $17 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $27,520, and experienced photographers can clear $64,220. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $36K enough to live in Tennessee?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,580/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,215/month, which eats 47.1% 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 Tennessee?
Tennessee 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 $40,098 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.