CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Photographer Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$111,329/yr
Typical range: $115,436 – $149,019
P90 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $53,925 | $4,494 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $69,581 | $5,798 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $81,178 | $6,765 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $91,847 | $7,654 | +70% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $111,329 | $9,277 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $126,637 | $10,553 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $130,464 | $10,872 | +142% |
Current Salary
$111,329
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $54/hr
Next Level Target
$126,637
Principal · 14
+$15Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
29/100
High Risk
+4% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Photographer salary in Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Photographers in Seattle, WA earn approximately $111K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $111K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $54/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Photographer in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Photographer in Seattle, WA earns $115K–$149K/yr.