Digital Photography Majors: Salary and Career Facts

<p>Digital photography majors focus their studies in the area of digital photography. They learn how to use digital cameras, camera attachments and digital photo editing software. Digital photography majors often pursue work as a photographer and may go on to have their own studio where they take portraits of infants, pets or people on special occasions. They may also pursue commercial photography work, and photograph products, buildings, people or other content that is going to be used in advertisements or promotional information. Digital photography majors may also opt to pursue a career in photojournalism. Photojournalists photograph events and people that are relevant to the publication's audience. A photojournalist working for a world news magazine may travel extensively and photograph people and places connected to a war or boycott or natural disaster, while those working for community newspapers may photograph special events like carnivals and parades. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td>
<b>Degree Required</b>
</td><td>
College degree typical</td></tr> <tr><td>
<b>Education Field of Study</b>
</td><td>
Photography, fine arts or a related field</td></tr> <tr><td>
<b>Key Skills</b>
</td><td>
Artistic ability, computer and customer service skills</td></tr> <tr><td>
<b>Job Growth (2020-2030)</b>
</td><td>
17% <i>(for all photographers)</i>*</td></tr> <tr><td>
<b>Median Salary (2020)</b>
</td><td>
$41,280 <i>(for all photographers)</i>*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatWillINeedInAdditionToMyDegree">What Will I Need in Addition to My Degree?</h3> <p>Photography tends to be a highly competitive field. You may consider completing an internship or apprenticeship to gain additional hands-on training before entering the job market. Internships may be completed while still in school or immediately after graduating. </p> <p>Acquiring additional skills relevant to your area of photography is also beneficial to stand out in the crowd. If you're interested in industrial or scientific photography, you may consider taking classes in the area in which you expect to work. If you want to work as a freelance photographer or open up your own studio, you could take business classes to gain management and marketing skills. </p> <p>Posting an electronic portfolio on the Internet that demonstrates a variety of your best work - either from school or work experience - is also important when seeking employment or potential clients. Continuing education might help you update your skills, master new technology and remain competitive in the industry. Many professional organizations, such as the National Press Photographers Association and Professional Photographers of America, offer continuing education options, including seminars, workshops and networking opportunities for professional photographers. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatIsTheJobOutlookLike">What Is the Job Outlook like?</h3> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), photographers will see much faster than average job growth from 2020-2030 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). The rise in the number of Internet versions of newspapers, magazines, journals and other news stations should drive demand for digital photographers. The widespread use of the Internet among people and businesses will also create more opportunities for freelance digital photographers. The competition will remain high due to the large number of people attracted to the profession, as well as the growing use and availability of digital equipment. </p> <h3 id="section---HowMuchCanIExpectToEarn">How Much Can I Expect to Earn?</h3> <p>Salaries of digital photographers vary according to the industry in which they work, their level of experience and their qualifications. According to the BLS, the median annual wages of all photographers were $41,280 in 2020 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). Photographers working in the aerospace parts and parts manufacturing industry earned the highest wages. </p> <p><i>PayScale.com</i> reports that commercial photographers earned a median salary of $49,055 in 2022, while photo editors earned a median of $57,336. Salaried photographers generally earn more than freelance photographers, as freelance photographers typically purchase their own equipment and pay their own travel expenses. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h3> <p>Graphic designers, desktop publishers and film and video editors and camera operators all have career similarities to photographers. Graphic designers focus on producing visual images that are meant to appeal to a specific audience. For example, they may design logos and other images that will help consumers identify brands. They need a good eye and the ability to use computer editing software in their work, and typically need a bachelor's degree. Film and video editors and camera operators also need a bachelor's degree, and also need to know how to use computer software to edit visual images. They capture and edit video footage that may be used in movies, television programs, news broadcasts or music videos. Desktop publishers combine text and visual images to create a desirable overall look that will appeal to the intended audience. They may design newspaper, magazine or book layouts. They need an associate's degree.</p>