The U.S. Department of Labor reports that salaried photographers had median annual earnings of $36,280 in May 2019. Salaries ranged from less than $20,630 to more than $79,440. Photographers earned the following mean annual salaries by employer: motion picture and video firms, $71,670; radio and television broadcasting companies, $52,020; newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers, $52,820; and other professional, scientific, and technical services firms, $41,040.

Self-employed photographers often earn more than salaried photographers, but their earnings depend on general business conditions. In addition, self-employed photographers do not receive the benefits that a company provides its employees.

Photographers in salaried jobs usually receive benefits such as paid holidays, vacations, and sick leave and medical insurance.

Publicity Photographers

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