Photographer salary in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
Photographers in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI metro area earn a median of $44,940 a year ($21.61 an hour), based on BLS data for 300 workers.
Pay ranges from $32,280 for the lowest-paid 10% to $80,550 for the top 10%. That is 1% higher than the national median of $44,660. Pay here is 7% higher than the Wisconsin statewide median of $42,060. There are 0.36 photographers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $52,000, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for photographers in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $32,280 | $15.52 |
| 25th percentile | $37,110 | $17.84 |
| Median | $44,940 | $21.61 |
| 75th percentile | $59,600 | $28.66 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $80,550 | $38.73 |
| Average (mean) | $52,000 | $25.00 |
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 | $3,745 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,872.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,728.46 |
| Weekly | $864.23 |
| Hourly | $21.61 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $44,940 salary, see how much house you can afford in Wisconsin 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 |
|---|---|---|
| La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | $47,300 | 30 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $46,960 | 520 |
| Madison, WI | $43,040 | 160 |
| Green Bay, WI | $38,080 | 80 |
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 |
See Photographer pay in every state or the Wisconsin statewide figures.
Related jobs in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Audio and Video Technicians | $52,020 | $25.01 |
| Broadcast Technician | $74,760 | $35.94 |
| Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film | $52,920 | $25.44 |
| Film and Video Editors | $64,640 | $31.08 |
| Sound Engineering Technician | $55,090 | $26.48 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $46,520 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $65,520 | $31.50 |
| Graphic Designer | $61,780 | $29.70 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $40,070 | $19.27 |
| Producers and Directors | $63,320 | $30.44 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $64,700 | $31.11 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $80,590 | $38.75 |
| Interior Designer | $64,550 | $31.04 |
| Editor | $66,560 | $32.00 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
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 Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
The median salary for photographers in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI metro area is $44,940 a year, or $21.61 an hour. Pay ranges from $32,280 for the lowest-paid 10% to $80,550 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid photographers make in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
The top 10% of photographers in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI metro area earn at least $80,550 a year. The top 25% earn $59,600 or more.
What is the starting pay for photographers in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $32,280 a year, and a quarter of photographers earn $37,110 or less.
How many photographers work in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
About 300 photographers are employed in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI metro area, not counting the self-employed.