CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Photographer Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$85,425/yr
Typical range: $88,575 – $114,344
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Photographer salary by experience level in Austin
Photographer Salary Progression in Austin
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $41,378 | $3,448 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $53,390 | $4,449 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $62,289 | $5,191 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $70,475 | $5,873 | +70% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $85,425 | $7,119 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $97,171 | $8,098 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $100,107 | $8,342 | +142% |
Current Salary
$85,425
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $41/hr
Next Level Target
$97,171
Principal · 14
+$12Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
29/100
High Risk
+4% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Photographer salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead Photographers in Austin, TX earn approximately $85K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Photographer make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $85K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $41/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Photographer in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Photographer in Austin, TX earns $89K–$114K/yr.