CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Photographer Salary in Dallas
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$79,067/yr
Typical range: $81,983 – $105,834
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Photographer salary by experience level in Dallas
Photographer Salary Progression in Dallas
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 | $38,298 | $3,192 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $49,417 | $4,118 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $57,653 | $4,804 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $65,230 | $5,436 | +70% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $79,067 | $6,589 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $89,939 | $7,495 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $92,657 | $7,721 | +142% |
Current Salary
$79,067
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $38/hr
Next Level Target
$89,939
Principal · 14
+$11Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
29/100
High Risk
+4% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Photographer salary in Dallas, TX?
Staff / Lead Photographers in Dallas, TX earn approximately $79K 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 Dallas, TX?
Based on $79K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $38/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Photographer in Dallas, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Photographer in Dallas, TX earns $82K–$106K/yr.