CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Photographer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$53,606/yr
Typical range: $50,464 – $65,145
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Photographer salary by experience level in Washington DC
Photographer Salary Progression in Washington DC
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 | $53,606 | $4,467 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $69,169 | $5,764 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $80,697 | $6,725 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $91,303 | $7,609 | +70% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $110,670 | $9,223 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $125,887 | $10,491 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $129,692 | $10,808 | +142% |
Current Salary
$53,606
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $26/hr
Next Level Target
$69,169
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 Washington DC, DC?
Entry Level Photographers in Washington DC, DC 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 Washington DC, DC?
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 Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Photographer in Washington DC, DC earns $115K–$148K/yr.