Photographer salary in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
Photographers in the Lansing-East Lansing, MI metro area earn a median of $46,270 a year ($22.25 an hour), based on BLS data for 70 workers.
Pay ranges from $35,080 for the lowest-paid 10% to $95,900 for the top 10%. That is 4% higher than the national median of $44,660. There are 0.33 photographers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $55,960, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for photographers in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $35,080 | $16.87 |
| 25th percentile | $40,050 | $19.25 |
| Median | $46,270 | $22.25 |
| 75th percentile | $74,570 | $35.85 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $95,900 | $46.11 |
| Average (mean) | $55,960 | $26.90 |
Half of photographers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,855.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,927.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,779.62 |
| Weekly | $889.81 |
| Hourly | $22.25 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $46,270 salary, see how much house you can afford in Michigan at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Photographer salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI | $37,510 | 70 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | $35,920 | 40 |
Highest-paying states for photographers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $110,970 |
| New York | $60,050 |
| Massachusetts | $57,990 |
| Oregon | $53,630 |
| Utah | $52,140 |
| Delaware | $50,100 |
| Connecticut | $49,790 |
| New Mexico | $48,090 |
| Washington | $48,050 |
| California | $47,840 |
Related jobs in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Audio and Video Technicians | $51,080 | $24.56 |
| Broadcast Technician | $62,080 | $29.85 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $71,550 | $34.40 |
| Graphic Designer | $59,990 | $28.84 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $51,270 | — |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $36,350 | $17.48 |
| Producers and Directors | $72,350 | $34.79 |
| Editor | $65,400 | $31.44 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $50,400 | $24.23 |
| Art Director | $81,500 | $39.18 |
| Floral Designer | $36,680 | $17.64 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $80,160 | $38.54 |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $28.69 |
| Interior Designer | $59,450 | $28.58 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 27-4021. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a photographer make in Lansing-East Lansing, MI?
The median salary for photographers in the Lansing-East Lansing, MI metro area is $46,270 a year, or $22.25 an hour. Pay ranges from $35,080 for the lowest-paid 10% to $95,900 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid photographers make in Lansing-East Lansing, MI?
The top 10% of photographers in the Lansing-East Lansing, MI metro area earn at least $95,900 a year. The top 25% earn $74,570 or more.
What is the starting pay for photographers in Lansing-East Lansing, MI?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $35,080 a year, and a quarter of photographers earn $40,050 or less.
How many photographers work in Lansing-East Lansing, MI?
About 70 photographers are employed in the Lansing-East Lansing, MI metro area, not counting the self-employed.