2024 wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Photographers is a entry-level occupation in Chicago, IL-IN-WI, with a median annual salary of $34,950. Photographerss in Chicago, IL-IN-WI earn $7,570 less (18%) than the national median of $42,520. Experienced Photographerss can expect to roughly double their starting salary over their career.
Photographerss in Chicago, IL-IN-WI earn $7,570 less (18%) than the national median of $42,520.
The average salary ($42,740) is notably higher than the median — this means top earners pull the average up. A small number of highly paid Photographerss skew the data.
About 1,970 Photographerss work in Chicago, IL-IN-WI, indicating a healthy local job market.
Cost of Living Consideration
Although Chicago, IL-IN-WI pays below the national average, the cost of living may also be lower. Your purchasing power could be comparable to higher-salary cities. Check local housing costs before deciding.
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $29,120 | $2,427 |
| 25th Percentile | $30,280 | $2,523 |
| Median | $34,950 | $2,913 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,710 | $4,059 |
| 90th Percentile | $65,140 | $5,428 |
| Mean (Average) | $42,740 | $3,562 |
| Metro Area | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $75,070 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $63,340 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $60,270 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $60,270 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $60,250 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | $57,800 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $56,340 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $55,840 |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $49,770 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $49,570 |
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| General Internal Medicine Physicians | $234,440 |
| Surgeons, All Other | $215,680 |
| Pediatricians, General | $198,440 |
| Family Medicine Physicians | $182,830 |
| Dentists, General | $175,140 |
| Lawyers | $166,090 |
| Financial Managers | $164,470 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $161,340 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $159,110 |
| Marketing Managers | $158,800 |
Estimate your after-tax income. Compare your real purchasing power across different states and salary levels.
Annual Take-Home
$30,066
Monthly
$2,506
Bi-Weekly
$1,156
Effective Tax Rate
14.0%
* Estimate only. Does not include local taxes, deductions, or credits. Need help with your finances? Consider consulting a certified financial planner or exploring high-yield savings accounts to maximize your take-home pay.
Data verified March 2026 · Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Was this data helpful?
Considering a move for this role? Compare cost of living in Chicago, IL-IN-WIto make an informed decision. Don't forget to factor in moving costs, renters insurance, and state income tax differences when evaluating your total compensation package.