CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Photographer Salary in Seattle
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$54,077/yr
Typical range: $50,907 – $65,717
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Photographer salary by experience level in Seattle
Photographer Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $54,077 | $4,506 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $69,777 | $5,815 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $81,406 | $6,784 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $92,105 | $7,675 | +70% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $111,643 | $9,304 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $126,994 | $10,583 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $130,832 | $10,903 | +142% |
Current Salary
$54,077
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $26/hr
Next Level Target
$69,777
Junior · 2
+$16Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
29/100
High Risk
+4% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Photographer salary in Seattle, WA?
Entry Level Photographers in Seattle, WA earn approximately $54K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $54K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $26/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Photographer in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Photographer in Seattle, WA earns $116K–$149K/yr.