Photographer salary in Waterbury-Shelton, CT
Photographers in the Waterbury-Shelton, CT metro area earn a median of $46,540 a year ($22.37 an hour), based on BLS data for 50 workers.
Pay ranges from $34,010 for the lowest-paid 10% to $71,160 for the top 10%. That is 4% higher than the national median of $44,660. Pay here is 7% lower than the Connecticut statewide median of $49,790. There are 0.34 photographers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $52,610, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for photographers in Waterbury-Shelton, CT
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $34,010 | $16.35 |
| 25th percentile | $44,300 | $21.30 |
| Median | $46,540 | $22.37 |
| 75th percentile | $61,140 | $29.40 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $71,160 | $34.21 |
| Average (mean) | $52,610 | $25.30 |
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 | $3,878.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,939.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,790 |
| Weekly | $895 |
| Hourly | $22.37 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $46,540 salary, see how much house you can afford in Connecticut 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT | $54,260 | 160 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | $51,410 | 160 |
| New Haven, CT | $51,000 | 100 |
| Norwich-New London-Willimantic, CT | $46,880 | 70 |
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 Connecticut statewide figures.
Related jobs in Waterbury-Shelton, CT
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Film and Video Editors | $83,550 | $40.17 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $68,550 | $32.96 |
| Producers and Directors | $102,340 | $49.20 |
| Graphic Designer | $68,350 | $32.86 |
| Editor | $87,150 | $41.90 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $53,030 | — |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $43,160 | $20.75 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $71,560 | $34.41 |
| Art Director | $133,680 | $64.27 |
| Floral Designer | $38,460 | $18.49 |
| Technical Writer | $92,880 | $44.65 |
| Writers and Authors | $127,350 | $61.23 |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $85.80 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Waterbury-Shelton, CT
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 Waterbury-Shelton, CT?
The median salary for photographers in the Waterbury-Shelton, CT metro area is $46,540 a year, or $22.37 an hour. Pay ranges from $34,010 for the lowest-paid 10% to $71,160 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid photographers make in Waterbury-Shelton, CT?
The top 10% of photographers in the Waterbury-Shelton, CT metro area earn at least $71,160 a year. The top 25% earn $61,140 or more.
What is the starting pay for photographers in Waterbury-Shelton, CT?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $34,010 a year, and a quarter of photographers earn $44,300 or less.
How many photographers work in Waterbury-Shelton, CT?
About 50 photographers are employed in the Waterbury-Shelton, CT metro area, not counting the self-employed.