Photographers Salary in Virginia
The median pay for a photographers in Virginia is $43,180/year ($20.76/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $29K at the entry level to $94K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Virginia. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $43K get you in Virginia?
About photographers
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Virginia
Entry-level photographers (10th percentile) start around $29K. Mid-career wages sit at $43K. Top earners bring in $94K or more, a $65K spread from bottom to top.
Photographers salary by metro in Virginia
4 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond | $44K | +1% | 270 |
| Roanoke | $38K | -12% | 70 |
| Charlottesville | $36K | -17% | 70 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk | $34K | -21% | 280 |
Compare to other states
Track photographers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Virginia numbers change.
Related careers in Arts & Media
Frequently asked questions
How much do photographers make in Virginia?
The median is $43,180 a year, that works out to about $21 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $29,120, and experienced photographers can clear $94,040. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $43K enough to live in Virginia?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,897/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,646/month, which eats 56.8% 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 Virginia?
Virginia 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 $45,553 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.