Photographer salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Photographers in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA metro area earn a median of $55,220 a year ($26.55 an hour), based on BLS data for 60 workers.
Pay ranges from $36,320 for the lowest-paid 10% to $85,450 for the top 10%. That is 24% higher than the national median of $44,660. Pay here is 15% higher than the California statewide median of $47,840. There are 0.32 photographers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $72,200, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for photographers in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $36,320 | $17.46 |
| 25th percentile | $43,690 | $21.01 |
| Median | $55,220 | $26.55 |
| 75th percentile | $70,520 | $33.90 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $85,450 | $41.08 |
| Average (mean) | $72,200 | $34.71 |
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 | $4,601.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,300.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,123.85 |
| Weekly | $1,061.92 |
| Hourly | $26.55 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $55,220 salary, see how much house you can afford in California 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 |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $58,840 | 880 |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $56,220 | 60 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $52,470 | 210 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $50,500 | 60 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $48,790 | 40 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $47,840 | 4,290 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | $46,620 | 40 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $45,880 | 290 |
| Modesto, CA | $44,240 | 50 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $44,030 | 620 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $43,870 | 90 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $43,710 | 460 |
| Vallejo, CA | $43,040 | 110 |
| Fresno, CA | $37,520 | 140 |
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 California statewide figures.
Related jobs in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other | $94,590 | $45.48 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $68,940 | $33.14 |
| Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film | $71,390 | $34.32 |
| Film and Video Editors | $84,780 | $40.76 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $46,710 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $78,450 | $37.72 |
| Graphic Designer | $78,500 | $37.74 |
| Producers and Directors | $76,860 | $36.95 |
| Interior Designer | $78,960 | $37.96 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $44,720 | $21.50 |
| Editor | $73,300 | $35.24 |
| Fashion Designer | $108,220 | $52.03 |
| Floral Designer | $45,670 | $21.96 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $82,440 | $39.63 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
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 Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
The median salary for photographers in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA metro area is $55,220 a year, or $26.55 an hour. Pay ranges from $36,320 for the lowest-paid 10% to $85,450 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid photographers make in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
The top 10% of photographers in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA metro area earn at least $85,450 a year. The top 25% earn $70,520 or more.
What is the starting pay for photographers in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $36,320 a year, and a quarter of photographers earn $43,690 or less.
How many photographers work in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
About 60 photographers are employed in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA metro area, not counting the self-employed.