Photographers in California
Photographers capture images of people, landscapes, merchandise, and other subjects for commercial, industrial, scientific, or journalistic purposes. They work in studios, offices, outdoor locations, or on assignment, using cameras, lighting equipment, and editing software to produce finished photographs that meet client specifications or publication standards. In California the median pay is $47,840 a year, 7% above the national median of $44,660.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against photographers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Who is hiring in California
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Photographers.
Licenses and training in California
Photographers pay in other states
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against photographers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 27-4021.00. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, California, annual.