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Occupational Employment Statistics


DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA

27-4021 Photographers



Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects, using digital or film cameras and equipment. May develop negatives or use computer software to produce finished images and prints. Includes scientific photographers, aerial photographers, and photojournalists.

Geography Click link for Career Profile EmploymentEmp SE*Percentiles
Mean10th25thMedian75th90th
Northwest Minnesota 306$23.19/hr$14.20/hr$14.85/hr$19.27/hr$25.98/hr$38.77/hr


IndustryOES Employment (Statewide)OES Median Wage (Statewide)
Manufacturing30$37.67/hr
Trade, Transportation and Utilities80$29.38/hr
Information30$30.93/hr
Professional and Business Services350$24.37/hr
Education and Health ServicesN/AN/A
Leisure and Hospitality10$25.30/hr
Other Services20$16.88/hr
Public AdministrationN/AN/A
 
Geography Click link for details EmploymentMedian WageProjections
% Change 2022-2032
Duluth MN-WI MSA N/AN/AN/A
Mankato-North Mankato MN MSA N/AN/AN/A
Northeast Balance of State N/AN/AN/A
Southwest Balance of State N/AN/AN/A
Southeast Balance of State N/AN/AN/A
Southwest Minnesota 10$16.14/hr5.5%
Grand Forks ND-MN MSA 10$16.39/hrN/A
Northeast Minnesota 20$19.27/hr6.5%
St Cloud MN MSA 20$23.61/hrN/A
Northwest Balance of State 20$22.19/hrN/A
Northwest Minnesota 30$19.27/hr6.7%
La Crosse WI-MN MSA 30$19.31/hrN/A
Rochester MN MSA 30$38.46/hrN/A
Central Minnesota 40$23.61/hr6.8%
Southeast Minnesota 50$31.97/hrN/A
Fargo ND-MN MSA 50$17.11/hrN/A
Seven County Mpls-St Paul, MN 340$30.16/hr5.5%
Minneapolis-St Paul-Bloomington MN-WI MSA 370$29.39/hrN/A
Minnesota 530$26.64/hr6.9%


Occupations Click link for details EmploymentMedian WageProjections
% Change 2022-2032
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators 70$31.08/hr4.7%
Desktop Publishers 230$29.68/hr-9.2%
Graphic Designers 5,460$28.57/hr4.4%


  • Use traditional or digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment, such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments.
  • Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects.
  • Set up, mount, or install photographic equipment and cameras.
  • Determine project goals, locations, and equipment needs by studying assignments and consulting with clients or advertising staff.
  • Review sets of photographs to select the best work.
  • Manipulate and enhance scanned or digital images to create desired effects, using computers and specialized software.
  • Transfer photographs to computers for editing, archiving, and electronic transmission.
  • Create artificial light, using flashes and reflectors.
  • Test equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in good working order.
  • Test equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in good working order.