CreativeUpdated Q1 2025

Photographer Salary
in Cleveland, OH

Capture and edit photographic images for commercial, editorial, or artistic purposes. Median salary in Cleveland: $40K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$40K
per year
Take-home: $27K

Salary range in Cleveland

Entry level (25th)$28,000
Median (50th)$40,000
Senior (75th)$58,000
Top earner (90th)$86,000

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

Key facts for Cleveland

Median salary
$40K
annual
Take-home pay
$27K
after fed/state tax
COL index
82
100 = US avg
State income tax
3.99%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$950
per month
YoY growth
+3%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Cleveland Photographer to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $40K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Cleveland

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

HistoricalProjected
Photographer salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$33K$36K$39K$42K$45K201920212023202520272029
2026
$41K
projected
2027
$42K
projected
2028
$43K
projected
2029
$44K
projected
2030
$45K
projected

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

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$40,000+$0
2028 projected$40,000+$0
2029 projected$40,000+$0
2030 projected$40,000+$0

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

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Photographer Salary in Cleveland, Ohio: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Photographer salary in Cleveland, OH is $40,000 per year as of Q1 2025. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Cleveland–OH 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 Cleveland

Entry-level Photographers in Cleveland with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $28,000 and $40,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $40,000 to $58,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $58,000 to $86,000 or more.

Cost of living in Cleveland for Photographers

Cleveland has a cost of living index of 82 compared to the US national average of 100. This means your salary goes approximately 18% further in Cleveland than the national average. Ohio has a 3.99% 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
Cleveland (current)$40K82
Columbus90
Cincinnati88
Toledo78
Akron80
Dayton80