CreativeUpdated Q1 2025

Photographer Salary
in Chesapeake, VA

Capture and edit photographic images for commercial, editorial, or artistic purposes. Median salary in Chesapeake: $46K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$46K
per year
Take-home: $30K

Salary range in Chesapeake

Entry level (25th)$32,000
Median (50th)$46,000
Senior (75th)$68,000
Top earner (90th)$100,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Key facts for Chesapeake

Median salary
$46K
annual
Take-home pay
$30K
after fed/state tax
COL index
98
100 = US avg
State income tax
5.75%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$1,400
per month
YoY growth
+3%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Chesapeake Photographer to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $46K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Chesapeake

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Photographer salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$39K$42K$46K$49K$52K201920212023202520272029
2026
$47K
projected
2027
$48K
projected
2028
$50K
projected
2029
$51K
projected
2030
$52K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$46,000+$0
2028 projected$46,000+$0
2029 projected$46,000+$0
2030 projected$46,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Photographer Salary in Chesapeake, Virginia: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Photographer salary in Chesapeake, VA is $46,000 per year as of Q1 2025. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Chesapeake–VA metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Photographer in Chesapeake

Entry-level Photographers in Chesapeake with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $32,000 and $46,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $46,000 to $68,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $68,000 to $100,000 or more.

Cost of living in Chesapeake for Photographers

Chesapeake has a cost of living index of 98 compared to the US national average of 100. This means your salary goes approximately 2% further in Chesapeake than the national average. Virginia has a 5.75% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Photographer

Bachelor's in Photography or Fine Arts; portfolio required. 45% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Photographer salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Chesapeake (current)$46K98
Virginia Beach98
Norfolk95
Richmond98
Newport News95
Arlington148