Photographers
Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Photographers to decrease by -0.7% between 2024 and 2034, from 145,000 to 144,000 jobs. Its estimate of 10,700 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($44,660), education (High school diploma or equivalent), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
145,000
Projected employment (2034)
144,000
Projected change (2024–2034)
-1%
Annual openings (projected average)
10,700
Pay & Preparation
$44,660
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Speaking (3.75/5) • Active Listening (3.75/5) • Service Orientation (3.25/5) • Critical Thinking (3.12/5) • Active Learning (3.12/5) • Reading Comprehension (3.12/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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