Photographer Salary in Chicago, IL
Annual base compensation · May 2026 · BLS OES Survey Data
$50,000
▲ 0.9% YOY
Compensation Distribution
$25,000
10th Pct.
Junior
$35,000
25th Pct.
Entry-level
$50,000
50th Pct.
Median
$65,000
75th Pct.
Senior
$90,000
90th Pct.
Top earner
Open Positions
Find active Photographer roles in Chicago
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Photographer salary in Chicago?+
The median Photographer salary in Chicago, IL is $50,000 per year as of May 2026. The middle 50% of earners fall between $35,000 and $65,000.
What is the entry-level Photographer salary in Chicago?+
Entry-level Photographer positions in Chicago typically start around $35,000 per year (25th percentile). With 2–4 years of experience, compensation climbs toward the market median of $50,000.
What do senior Photographers earn in Chicago?+
Senior Photographers in Chicago earn $65,000 at the 75th percentile and up to $90,000 at the 90th percentile, reflecting 6+ years of experience and management responsibilities.
How has the Photographer market changed in Chicago?+
Year-over-year salary growth for Photographers in Chicago stands at 0.9% as of May 2026, indicating moderate demand in the local market.
Photographer — Other Markets
| Market | 25th Pct. | Median | 75th Pct. | YoY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $45,000 | $65,000 | $90,000 | +0.9% |
| New York, NY | $45,000 | $60,000 | $85,000 | +0.9% |
| Seattle, WA | $40,000 | $55,000 | $80,000 | +0.9% |
| Boston, MA | $40,000 | $55,000 | $75,000 | +0.9% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $40,000 | $60,000 | $80,000 | +0.9% |
| San Diego, CA | $40,000 | $55,000 | $75,000 | +0.9% |
| Sacramento, CA | $35,000 | $50,000 | $70,000 | +0.9% |
| Washington DC, DC | $40,000 | $55,000 | $75,000 | +0.9% |
Chicago — Other Roles
| Role | 25th Pct. | Median | 75th Pct. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $105,000 | $140,000 | $180,000 |
| Full Stack Developer | $95,000 | $130,000 | $165,000 |
| Frontend Developer | $85,000 | $115,000 | $155,000 |
| Backend Developer | $95,000 | $125,000 | $165,000 |
| iOS Developer | $100,000 | $130,000 | $170,000 |
| Android Developer | $95,000 | $125,000 | $165,000 |