CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Photographer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$110,670/yr
Typical range: $114,752 – $148,136
P90 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 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% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$110,670
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $53/hr
Next Level Target
$125,887
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 Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Photographers in Washington DC, DC 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 Washington DC, DC?
Based on $111K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $53/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Photographer in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Photographer in Washington DC, DC earns $115K–$148K/yr.