CreativeUpdated Q1 2025

Photographer Salary
in Mesa, AZ

Capture and edit photographic images for commercial, editorial, or artistic purposes. Median salary in Mesa: $43K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$43K
per year
Take-home: $29K

Salary range in Mesa

Entry level (25th)$30,000
Median (50th)$43,000
Senior (75th)$64,000
Top earner (90th)$94,000

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

Key facts for Mesa

Median salary
$43K
annual
Take-home pay
$29K
after fed/state tax
COL index
98
100 = US avg
State income tax
2.5%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$1,400
per month
YoY growth
+3%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Mesa Photographer to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $43K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Mesa

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

HistoricalProjected
Photographer salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$36K$39K$43K$46K$49K201920212023202520272029
2026
$44K
projected
2027
$45K
projected
2028
$46K
projected
2029
$47K
projected
2030
$49K
projected

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

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$43,000+$0
2028 projected$43,000+$0
2029 projected$43,000+$0
2030 projected$43,000+$0

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

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Photographer Salary in Mesa, Arizona: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Photographer salary in Mesa, AZ is $43,000 per year as of Q1 2025. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Mesa–AZ 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 Mesa

Entry-level Photographers in Mesa with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $30,000 and $43,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $43,000 to $64,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $64,000 to $94,000 or more.

Cost of living in Mesa for Photographers

Mesa 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 Mesa than the national average. Arizona has a 2.5% 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
Mesa (current)$43K98
Phoenix100
Tucson90
Chandler105
Scottsdale118
Glendale95