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Average Photographers Salary in Illinois

Photographers in Illinois earn an average annual salary of $41,260, which is notably lower than the national average of $55,520. This disparity can often be attributed to a combination of factors, including the local demand for photography services, the overall economic landscape of the state, and the cost of doing business within Illinois.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $41,260 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.3% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $62,360.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,530 photographers and a Location Quotient of 1.25, Illinois demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market for photographers within the state, indicating consistent demand for their skills.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$41,260

The average Photographers in Illinois earns-25.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$19.8

Weekly

$793

Monthly

$3,438

Photographers Salary Distribution in Illinois

The career trajectory for photographers in Illinois typically involves salary increases with experience. Entry-level photographers might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior photographers with extensive portfolios and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting the progression and value gained over time. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify these career advancement opportunities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$29,120$14
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$30,945$14.9
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$34,600$16.6
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$51,575$24.8
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$62,360$30

Detailed Photographers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$41,260

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$44,946

Adjusted for COL (91.8)

The average annual salary of $41,260 in Illinois presents a reasonable standard of living, especially when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 91.8. This index, being below the national average of 100, suggests that the nominal salary may offer a comparable or even better purchasing power for photographers residing in Illinois.

Job Market Context

2,530

Total Jobs

0.417

Per 1K Jobs

1.25

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.25, Illinois has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Photographers roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.25 indicates that photographers are 25% more concentrated in Illinois than the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market where demand is present but potentially balanced by the supply of professionals, offering opportunities for those with specialized skills or unique offerings.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Photographers

CitySalaryDist.
Peoria, IL Photographers Salary$38,130↓ 8%43 mi
Springfield, IL Photographers Salary$38,620↓ 6%53 mi

Comparing salaries near Illinois

Hiring Photographerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Photographers make in Illinois?

The median annual salary for a Photographers in Illinois is $41,260. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $62,360 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Illinois is 25.7% lower than the national median of $55,520.

Is Illinois a lucrative place for Photographerss?

No, Illinois is not currently the most lucrative place for photographers based on average salary.The average annual salary for photographers in Illinois is $41,260, which falls below the national average of $55,520. However, the lower cost of living may offset some of this difference.

Is Illinois a good place to live for Photographers?

With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Illinois?

Some top paying nearby cities include Peoria, IL ($38,130) and Springfield, IL.

How does the number of photographers in Illinois compare nationally?

Illinois has 2,530 photographers, and with a Location Quotient of 1.25, the state has a slightly higher concentration of these professionals than the national average.

What is the cost of living for photographers in Illinois?

The Cost of Living Index in Illinois is 91.8, which is below the national average of 100, indicating that everyday expenses are generally lower than the national standard.

How many jobs per 1,000 workers are available for photographers in Illinois?

There are approximately 0.417 jobs per 1,000 workers for photographers in Illinois, reflecting the local employment landscape for this profession.

Does experience impact a photographer's salary in Illinois?

Yes, like most professions, a photographer's salary in Illinois typically increases with experience, with senior professionals earning more than entry-level ones.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,530 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 0.417 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Photographers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Illinois