Photographer vs Videographer: 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.
Videographer
Film, edit, and produce professional video content for brands and media.
Videographer earns more on average — the national median is $4,000/year (8%) higher than a Photographer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Photographer vs Videographer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Photographer | Videographer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $76,326 | $81,064 | Photographer $4,738 |
| New York, NY | $63,760 | $67,291 | Photographer $3,531 |
| Seattle, WA | $75,678 | $77,759 | Photographer $2,081 |
| Austin, TX | $57,751 | $64,309 | Photographer $6,558 |
| Chicago, IL | $55,319 | $59,502 | Photographer $4,183 |
| Boston, MA | $67,362 | $71,430 | Photographer $4,068 |
| London, UK | £40,244 | £43,276 | Photographer $3,032 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$70,298 | CA$73,742 | Photographer $3,444 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Photographer or Videographer earn more?+
A Videographer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Photographer is $52,000/year, compared to $56,000/year for a Videographer — a difference of $4,000 (8%).
Which has better career growth — Photographer or Videographer?+
Photographer roles are growing at 4% YoY while Videographer demand is growing at 10% YoY. Videographer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Photographer to Videographer?+
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 Videographer?+
Videographer has a lower AI automation risk (38% vs 42%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.