Photographers Salary in Washington
The median pay for a photographers in Washington is $44,580/year ($21.44/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $36K at the entry level to $80K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Washington. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $45K get you in Washington?
About photographers
Sponsored links — AffordMap may earn a commission at no cost to you. Learn more
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington
Entry-level photographers (10th percentile) start around $36K. Mid-career wages sit at $45K. Top earners bring in $80K or more, a $44K spread from bottom to top.
Photographers salary by metro in Washington
4 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | $48K | +8% | 820 |
| Bellingham | $44K | -2% | 30 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater | $39K | -13% | 40 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | $37K | -17% | 170 |
Compare to other states
Track photographers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Washington numbers change.
Related careers in Arts & Media
Frequently asked questions
How much do photographers make in Washington?
The median is $44,580 a year, that works out to about $21 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $35,690, and experienced photographers can clear $80,080. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $45K enough to live in Washington?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,155/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,830/month, which eats 58% 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 Washington?
Washington 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 $43,702 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.