CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Photographer Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$50,417/yr
Typical range: $47,461 – $61,269
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Photographer salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Photographer Salary Progression in Los Angeles
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $50,417 | $4,201 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $65,054 | $5,421 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $75,896 | $6,325 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $85,871 | $7,156 | +70% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $104,086 | $8,674 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $118,398 | $9,867 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $121,976 | $10,165 | +142% |
Current Salary
$50,417
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $24/hr
Next Level Target
$65,054
Junior · 2
+$15Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
29/100
High Risk
+4% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Photographer salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Entry Level Photographers in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $50K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Photographer make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $50K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $24/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Photographer in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Photographer in Los Angeles, CA earns $108K–$139K/yr.