Best degree programs for Photographers, ranked by enrollment
6 college programs and 1,094 schools train Photographers. Compare graduates per year, cost and pay, $44,660 median wage, 51,760 U.S. jobs. Federal data.
6 college programs at 1,094 schools train photographers, graduating 29,899 people a year (IPEDS completions). The largest is Art/Art Studies, General. The job pays a median of $44,660 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
About photographers
Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists.
A photographer is a person who makes photographs, most commonly using a camera. They may do so as part of photojournalism, for the sake of creating personal mementos, as part of a business model, as artistic expression or for various other reasons.
Read more on Wikipedia →Fields of study that lead to this job
Grouped at the 4-digit CIP level, the tier our program pages are built on. Numbers are graduates per year.
6 degree programs that lead to this job
Ranked by graduates per year (IPEDS completions). Graduate earnings and debt are College Scorecard figures for people who finished the program, reported at the 4-digit CIP level, so specializations within one field share a figure. That is a different measurement from the occupation-wide wages further down this page.
| # | Program | Graduates / yr | Share of pipeline | Schools | Grad earnings (1 yr) | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CIP 50.0701 | 19,283 | 64.5% | 717 | $24,447 | $25,294 |
| 2 | CIP 50.0102 | 4,316 | 14.4% | 183 | $24,752 | $25,963 |
| 3 | CIP 50.0101 | 3,397 | 11.4% | 270 | $24,752 | $25,963 |
| 4 | CIP 50.0605 | 2,071 | 6.9% | 189 | $25,014 | $24,650 |
| 5 | CIP 50.0406 | 766 | 2.6% | 60 | $31,611 | $26,000 |
| 6 | CIP 09.0404 | 66 | 0.2% | 14 | $34,515 | $24,250 |
Top 50 schools by graduates into this job
Counting every feeder program a school offers, not just its largest one.
| # | School | Graduates / yr | Top feeder program | Grad rate | Net price | Acceptance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mesa Community College Mesa, AZ Public · 2 feeder programs | 797 | Art/Art Studies, General | 16% | — | — |
| 2 | Glendale Community College Glendale, AZ Public · 3 feeder programs | 725 | Art/Art Studies, General | 16% | — | — |
| 3 | University of Central Florida Orlando, FL Public · 3 feeder programs | 663 | Digital Arts | 78% | — | 40% |
| 4 | Estrella Mountain Community College Avondale, AZ Public · 1 feeder programs | 551 | Art/Art Studies, General | 32% | — | — |
| 5 | Chandler - Gilbert Community College Chandler, AZ Public · 2 feeder programs | 524 | Art/Art Studies, General | 30% | — | — |
| 6 | Full Sail University Winter Park, FL Private for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 519 | Digital Arts | 44% | $32,163 | — |
| 7 | Paradise Valley Community College Phoenix, AZ Public · 1 feeder programs | 447 | Art/Art Studies, General | 19% | — | — |
| 8 | The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson, TX Public · 2 feeder programs | 441 | Digital Arts | 76% | — | 65% |
| 9 | Phoenix College Phoenix, AZ Public · 2 feeder programs | 405 | Art/Art Studies, General | 14% | — | — |
| 10 | California State University - Northridge Northridge, CA Public · 1 feeder programs | 351 | Art/Art Studies, General | 57% | — | 93% |
| 11 | San Diego State University San Diego, CA Public · 1 feeder programs | 327 | Art/Art Studies, General | 76% | — | 36% |
| 12 | Scottsdale Community College Scottsdale, AZ Public · 1 feeder programs | 273 | Art/Art Studies, General | 17% | — | — |
| 13 | Rio Salado College Tempe, AZ Public · 1 feeder programs | 268 | Art/Art Studies, General | 9% | — | — |
| 14 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ Public · 3 feeder programs | 256 | Art/Art Studies, General | 68% | — | 90% |
| 15 | South Mountain Community College Phoenix, AZ Public · 1 feeder programs | 253 | Art/Art Studies, General | 16% | — | — |
| 16 | Columbus State Community College Columbus, OH Public · 3 feeder programs | 250 | Visual and Performing Arts, General | 28% | — | — |
| 17 | Santa Monica College Santa Monica, CA Public · 2 feeder programs | 249 | Art/Art Studies, General | 36% | — | — |
| 18 | Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NH Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 247 | Photography | 43% | $34,565 | 100% |
| 19 | California State University - Long Beach Long Beach, CA Public · 1 feeder programs | 239 | Art/Art Studies, General | 69% | — | 46% |
| 20 | California State University - Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA Public · 2 feeder programs | 225 | Art/Art Studies, General | 53% | — | 91% |
| 21 | Arizona State University Digital Immersion Scottsdale, AZ Public · 2 feeder programs | 223 | Art/Art Studies, General | 0% | — | 67% |
| 22 | Austin Community College District Austin, TX Public · 3 feeder programs | 203 | Digital Arts | 20% | — | — |
| 23 | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI Public · 2 feeder programs | 195 | Art/Art Studies, General | 93% | — | 16% |
| 24 | California State University - Fullerton Fullerton, CA Public · 1 feeder programs | 187 | Art/Art Studies, General | 70% | — | 91% |
| 25 | Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GA Public · 2 feeder programs | 176 | Art/Art Studies, General | 52% | — | 69% |
| 26 | University of North Texas Denton, TX Public · 1 feeder programs | 151 | Art/Art Studies, General | 61% | — | 72% |
| 27 | Northern Virginia Community College Annandale, VA Public · 3 feeder programs | 146 | Art/Art Studies, General | 33% | — | — |
| 28 | University of Washington - Seattle Campus Seattle, WA Public · 1 feeder programs | 142 | Art/Art Studies, General | 85% | — | 39% |
| 29 | Florida International University Miami, FL Public · 2 feeder programs | 140 | Digital Arts | 74% | — | 55% |
| 30 | George Mason University Fairfax, VA Public · 2 feeder programs | 138 | Visual and Performing Arts, General | 68% | — | 87% |
| 31 | University of Georgia Athens, GA Public · 1 feeder programs | 136 | Art/Art Studies, General | 90% | — | 38% |
| 32 | James Madison University Harrisonburg, VA Public · 1 feeder programs | 134 | Art/Art Studies, General | 80% | — | 72% |
| 33 | Tufts University Medford, MA Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 134 | Art/Art Studies, General | 94% | $23,570 | 11% |
| 34 | Fullerton College Fullerton, CA Public · 2 feeder programs | 132 | Visual and Performing Arts, General | 34% | — | — |
| 35 | Wichita State University Wichita, KS Public · 3 feeder programs | 130 | Digital Arts | 51% | — | 94% |
| 36 | Fresno City College Fresno, CA Public · 2 feeder programs | 127 | Art/Art Studies, General | 24% | — | — |
| 37 | Otis College of Art and Design Los Angeles, CA Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 123 | Digital Arts | 66% | $44,867 | 82% |
| 38 | University of Iowa Iowa City, IA Public · 2 feeder programs | 119 | Art/Art Studies, General | 75% | — | 84% |
| 39 | Florida Institute of Recording Sound and Technology Orlando, FL Private for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 113 | Photography | — | — | — |
| 40 | Pasadena City College Pasadena, CA Public · 2 feeder programs | 113 | Art/Art Studies, General | 48% | — | — |
| 41 | University of California - Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CA Public · 2 feeder programs | 112 | Art/Art Studies, General | 75% | — | 66% |
| 42 | Academy of Art University San Francisco, CA Private for-profit · 2 feeder programs | 110 | Digital Arts | 34% | $40,294 | — |
| 43 | Long Beach City College Long Beach, CA Public · 2 feeder programs | 109 | Art/Art Studies, General | 30% | — | — |
| 44 | Utah Tech University Saint George, UT Public · 3 feeder programs | 108 | Digital Arts | 38% | — | — |
| 45 | Savannah College of Art and Design Savannah, GA Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 104 | Photography | 69% | $44,902 | 83% |
| 46 | Illinois State University Normal, IL Public · 1 feeder programs | 102 | Art/Art Studies, General | 65% | — | 88% |
| 47 | Fashion Institute of Technology New York, NY Public · 1 feeder programs | 101 | Commercial Photography | 81% | — | 60% |
| 48 | Victor Valley College Victorville, CA Public · 3 feeder programs | 100 | Visual and Performing Arts, General | 62% | — | — |
| 49 | Suffolk County Community College Selden, NY Public · 3 feeder programs | 94 | Visual and Performing Arts, General | 29% | — | — |
| 50 | California State University - Fresno Fresno, CA Public · 1 feeder programs | 93 | Art/Art Studies, General | 57% | — | 95% |
What photographers earn
What people already working in this job earn (BLS OEWS May 2025). Not graduate earnings.
Top-paying states
Top-paying metro areas
Job outlook
Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections, 2024 to 2034.
Where the jobs are, state by state
Pick a state for in-state pay, the schools there, and the programs they run.
| State | Median pay | Jobs | Concentration | Schools | Graduates / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $47,840 | 7,980 | 1.32× | 169 | 6,952 |
| Arizona | $36,970 | 1,360 | 1.26× | 23 | 4,985 |
| Florida | $42,640 | 4,390 | 1.33× | 36 | 2,076 |
| Texas | $41,280 | 4,330 | 0.92× | 51 | 1,893 |
| New York | $60,050 | 3,650 | 1.13× | 66 | 1,522 |
| Virginia | $46,550 | 1,580 | 1.15× | 33 | 945 |
| Pennsylvania | $40,520 | 1,870 | 0.93× | 53 | 728 |
| Georgia | $43,770 | 1,420 | 0.87× | 29 | 699 |
| New Jersey | $40,520 | 1,460 | 1.02× | 25 | 655 |
| Ohio | $38,470 | 1,540 | 0.83× | 35 | 652 |
| Michigan | — | 970 | 0.66× | 36 | 598 |
| Illinois | $36,570 | 2,150 | 1.06× | 46 | 570 |
| Tennessee | $37,950 | 780 | 0.71× | 27 | 567 |
| Massachusetts | $57,990 | 830 | 0.69× | 30 | 525 |
| Wisconsin | $42,060 | 850 | 0.87× | 25 | 447 |
| North Carolina | $37,120 | 2,130 | 1.30× | 22 | 320 |
| Minnesota | $46,470 | 730 | 0.74× | 33 | 316 |
| Utah | $52,140 | 660 | 1.14× | 9 | 314 |
| Missouri | $39,170 | 950 | 0.97× | 17 | 290 |
| New Hampshire | $44,780 | 220 | 0.97× | 7 | 280 |
| Maryland | $46,450 | 790 | 0.86× | 20 | 272 |
| Washington | $48,050 | 960 | 0.81× | 11 | 265 |
| Iowa | $38,290 | 430 | 0.83× | 19 | 246 |
| Alabama | $36,130 | 530 | 0.76× | 13 | 238 |
| Indiana | $35,960 | 810 | 0.76× | 25 | 231 |
| Oklahoma | $36,750 | 330 | 0.58× | 17 | 227 |
| Oregon | $53,630 | 510 | 0.78× | 13 | 220 |
| Mississippi | $45,860 | 190 | 0.50× | 15 | 219 |
| Nevadamoderate | $37,460 | 890 | 1.71× | 4 | 207 |
| Arkansas | $32,810 | 240 | 0.56× | 16 | 197 |
| Kansas | $37,790 | 300 | 0.63× | 13 | 193 |
| Colorado | $47,070 | 1,140 | 1.19× | 12 | 181 |
| New Mexico | $48,090 | 230 | 0.79× | 10 | 181 |
| Louisiana | $36,830 | 510 | 0.79× | 11 | 178 |
| Connecticut | $49,790 | 630 | 1.12× | 8 | 156 |
| West Virginia | $36,110 | 110 | 0.46× | 9 | 146 |
| South Carolina | $37,890 | 630 | 0.82× | 13 | 145 |
| Idaho | $33,320 | 190 | 0.67× | 6 | 123 |
| Montana | $39,900 | 190 | 1.09× | 8 | 109 |
| Nebraska | $41,920 | 220 | 0.66× | 9 | 98 |
| Hawaiimoderate | $45,960 | 440 | 2.09× | 4 | 89 |
| Rhode Island | $37,300 | 220 | 1.34× | 7 | 84 |
| Kentucky | $47,170 | 380 | 0.57× | 9 | 82 |
| Vermont | — | 60 | 0.58× | 5 | 82 |
| District of Columbia | $110,970 | 260 | 1.13× | 7 | 76 |
| Maine | $46,680 | 180 | 0.86× | 6 | 47 |
| Wyoming | $39,330 | 50 | 0.56× | 7 | 40 |
| North Dakotamoderate | $37,410 | 70 | 0.49× | 4 | 35 |
| South Dakota | $45,330 | 190 | 1.22× | 6 | 35 |
| Alaskalimited | $39,190 | 50 | 0.48× | 2 | 26 |
| Delawaremoderate | $50,100 | 180 | 1.11× | 3 | 20 |
Skills and tools
From O*NET, the U.S. Department of Labor's occupational database. Importance is a 1 to 5 scale.
What they do day to day
- Adjust apertures, shutter speeds, and camera focus according to a combination of factors, such as lighting, field depth, subject motion, film type, and film speed.
- Create artificial light, using flashes and reflectors.
- Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects.
- Transfer photographs to computers for editing, archiving, and electronic transmission.
- Use traditional or digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment, such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments.
- Manipulate and enhance scanned or digital images to create desired effects, using computers and specialized software.
- Take pictures of individuals, families, and small groups, either in studio or on location.
- Enhance, retouch, and resize photographs and negatives, using airbrushing and other techniques.
Skills
- Active Listening3.8
- Speaking3.8
- Active Learning3.1
- Critical Thinking3.1
- Monitoring3.1
- Reading Comprehension3.1
- Writing2.9
- Learning Strategies2.9
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service4.7
- Sales and Marketing4.5
- Computers and Electronics4.2
- Administration and Management3.9
- Communications and Media3.7
- English Language3.7
Abilities
- Near Vision4.0
- Oral Expression3.9
- Originality3.9
- Visualization3.9
- Far Vision3.9
- Oral Comprehension3.6
Core activities
- Working with Computers4.7
- Thinking Creatively4.6
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public4.5
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships4.3
- Selling or Influencing Others4.3
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.2
Tools and technology
hotmarks an O*NET hot technologyHow to get in
How to become a Photographer
Job zone 3 of 5 · SVP 6.0 to < 7.0- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Every major mapped to this job
The official federal mapping behind the rankings above.
All 6 majors mapped to Photographers6 of them graduated someone in the latest IPEDS year. NCES CIP 2020 → SOC 2018 crosswalk.+
- 09.0404Photojournalism
- 50.0101Visual and Performing Arts, General
- 50.0102Digital Arts
- 50.0406Commercial Photography
- 50.0605Photography
- 50.0701Art/Art Studies, General
Related careers
Jobs O*NET identifies as close to this one, with their own pay and outlook.
Common questions
What degree do you need to become a Photographer?+
High school diploma or equivalent is the typical entry-level education BLS reports for this occupation. The most common program people actually graduate from is Art/Art Studies, General, which awarded 19,283 degrees in 2024-25, 64.5% of everyone graduating from a program that feeds this career.
Which college majors lead to becoming a Photographer?+
The NCES CIP-to-SOC crosswalk maps 6 programs to this occupation. The largest are Fine and Studio Arts, Visual and Performing Arts, Film/Video and Photographic Arts, Design and Applied Arts, plus 1 more. Together they graduate about 29,899 people a year.
How much do photographers earn?+
The median is $44,660 a year (BLS OEWS May 2025). The middle range runs from $30,820 at the 10th percentile to $91,810 at the 90th. This is pay for people already working in the occupation, not the same thing as graduate earnings one year after finishing a degree.
Is demand for photographers growing?+
BLS projects a +1.8% change in employment between 2024 and 2034, little or no change, with roughly 12,700 openings a year nationally once retirements and job changes are counted.
How many schools offer programs for this career?+
1,094 institutions reported graduates from at least one of the 6 programs that feed this occupation in IPEDS 2024-25. Rankings on this page use graduates per year, because the federal data publishes no enrollment count by program.
What other job titles do photographers work under?+
Employers advertise this work under many names. O*NET records Photographer, Photojournalist, Portrait Photographer, Commercial Photographer among the most commonly reported, all mapping to SOC 27-4021.
About the data on this page
Rankings use IPEDS completions 2024-25, degrees awarded per year. That is the closest federal measure of how many people a program puts into a career, because no federal dataset publishes enrollment by program. Wages and employment come from BLS OEWS May 2025, growth and openings from BLS Employment Projections 2024-34, and which majors lead to which jobs from the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk. Occupation descriptions, tasks, skills and tools are O*NET 30.3 (CC BY 4.0, U.S. Department of Labor/ETA).
BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics
May 2025Wages, employment counts, location quotients and metro breakdowns.
BLS Employment Projections
2024–34Projected growth, annual openings and typical entry-level education.
IPEDS Completions
2024-25 (provisional)Graduates per year by program and institution — the ranking metric.
College Scorecard, Field of Study
2020-21 cohortsMedian graduate earnings one year after completion, and median debt.
Census Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes
latest availableGraduate earnings 1/5/10 years out, where the state participates.
NCES CIP 2020 and the CIP-to-SOC 2018 crosswalk
CIP 2020 / SOC 2018Which college programs officially lead to this occupation.
O*NET Database 30.3
30.3Tasks, skills, knowledge, tools, job zone and alternate job titles.
Official source →CC BY 4.0, U.S. Department of Labor / ETA
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