Photographer vs Illustrator: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Photographer
Capture, edit, and deliver professional photographs for commercial use.
Illustrator
Create original artwork and illustrations for books, media, and brands.
Illustrator earns more on average — the national median is $3,000/year (6%) higher than a Photographer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Photographer vs Illustrator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Photographer | Illustrator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $76,326 | $78,562 | Photographer $2,236 |
| New York, NY | $63,760 | $65,350 | Photographer $1,590 |
| Seattle, WA | $75,678 | $79,449 | Photographer $3,771 |
| Austin, TX | $57,751 | $60,796 | Photographer $3,045 |
| Chicago, IL | $55,319 | $58,603 | Photographer $3,284 |
| Boston, MA | $67,362 | $73,498 | Photographer $6,136 |
| London, UK | £40,244 | £43,732 | Photographer $3,488 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$70,298 | CA$74,599 | Photographer $4,301 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Photographer or Illustrator earn more?+
A Illustrator earns more on average. The national median salary for a Photographer is $52,000/year, compared to $55,000/year for a Illustrator — a difference of $3,000 (6%).
Which has better career growth — Photographer or Illustrator?+
Photographer roles are growing at 4% YoY while Illustrator demand is growing at 5% YoY. Illustrator has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Photographer to Illustrator?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Photographer or Illustrator?+
Photographer has a lower AI automation risk (42% vs 48%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.