Photographer salary in Illinois
A strong career option in Illinois — with programs that take 6 months to 4 years to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$36,570/ yr
$3,048 / mo · $17.58 / hr
Pay by experience
Entry
$31,200
Median
$36,570
Experienced
$96,762
Demand
Moderate
Program length
6 months to 4 years
Job demand & outlook
Steady demand across the United States
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- State Certificate$50,559
- Professional Certification / Diploma$53,771
- Professional Certification / Bootcamp$88,192
- Associate Degree$80,408
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost—
- Time to complete6 months to 4 years
- Credential earned—
What you get back
- Starting salary$31,200
- Median salary$36,570
- Experienced salary$96,762
Many career changers recoup their certification cost within the first few months of working in their new role.
How to become a Photographer in Illinois
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a Photographer program in Illinois
Browse certified training programs. Most Photographer tracks complete in 6 months to 4 years.
Earn your certification
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a certification in Illinois.
Get hired in Illinois
With roughly thousands of Photographer openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in Illinois.
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Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a Photographer in Illinois is $36,570 per year, which is $17.58 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $31,200 while experienced Photographers can earn up to $96,762 annually.
Next step
Find Photographer Classes Near You
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