📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Photographer Salary in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky · 17.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$41,732
per year
Median
$35,092
per year
Hourly
$20.06
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$22,766
25th Percentile — Junior$33,224
50th Percentile — Median$35,092
75th Percentile — Senior$56,755
90th Percentile — Top Earners$66,647
💡 Top-earning Photographers in Kentucky make up to $66,647 per year. The job market in Kentucky is rated moderate, with key industries including Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$36.0k
2021
$37.1k
2022
$38.2k
2023
$39.3k
2024
$40.5k
2025
$41.7k
2026
📈 Photographer salaries in Kentucky have followed the national trend with 3.0% annual growth. The strong presence in Kentucky's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Photographer Salary by City in Kentucky
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Louisville $35,055 -16.0% Medium
Lexington $35,055 -16.0% Medium
🔍
Photographer Job Market in Kentucky
Key factors affecting compensation

Kentucky is home to a moderate job market for Photographers. The state's key industries — Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $41,732 per year, Kentucky's Photographer salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Kentucky (index: 0.83) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Kentucky can expect to earn $22,766–$33,224, while experienced Photographers can command $56,755–$66,647.

Looking ahead, the Photographer profession in Kentucky is projected to grow at 3.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Manufacturing continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Photographer salary in Kentucky is $41,732 per year in 2026, which is 17.0% below the national average of $50,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Photographers the highest wages in Kentucky due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Kentucky has a moderate job market with major industries in Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture. Opportunities exist in for Photographer employment.
  • At $41,732/year, Kentucky Photographer salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average of $50,280/year.