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Field Research Photographer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

EXP

Field Inspector

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

... photographic documentation, and record field conditions to support permitting jurisdictions and utility construction activities. What a day at EXP has in store for you * Conduct pre-field research by ...

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$37

How much do field research photographer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for field research photographer in the United States is $20.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is $4000 a lot for a wedding photographer?

For a wedding photographer, a $4000 fee is generally considered to be on the higher end of the typical price range, which can vary based on experience, location, and package details. Experienced photographers with professional equipment and extensive portfolios often charge higher rates, while beginners may offer lower prices. The fee usually covers pre-photoshoot planning, the shoot itself, editing, and delivery of high-resolution images.

What is the average salary for an FBI field photographer?

FBI field photographers are federal employees, and their salaries typically align with the General Schedule (GS) pay scale. The average salary for a GS-9 to GS-11 level, which is common for specialized roles like field photography, ranges from approximately $50,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience and location. Additional benefits include federal health insurance and retirement plans.

What is the 20-60-20 rule in photography?

The 20-60-20 rule in photography suggests that 20% of the image should focus on the main subject, 60% on supporting elements or background, and the remaining 20% on secondary details. For field research photographers, applying this rule helps create balanced compositions that highlight key subjects while providing context. Understanding such principles can improve the visual impact of documentary or environmental photos.

What is the difference between Field Research Photographer vs Photojournalist?

AspectField Research PhotographerPhotojournalist
Required CredentialsPhotography certification or degree, field-specific knowledgePhotography or journalism degree, storytelling skills
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, remote locations, research sitesNewsrooms, on-location reporting, events
Industry UsageResearch institutions, environmental agenciesMedia outlets, newspapers, magazines

Both roles involve photography skills and outdoor work, but Field Research Photographers focus on documenting research activities and environments, while Photojournalists capture news stories and events. The choice depends on whether the focus is scientific documentation or storytelling through current events.

What are Field Research Photographers?

Field Research Photographers are professionals who capture images and visual data in outdoor or on-site environments to support scientific, academic, or commercial research projects. They document environments, wildlife, people, or phenomena as required by the research objectives, often working in challenging or remote locations. Their photographs are used for analysis, reporting, publications, and presentations, making visual documentation a critical part of the research process. Field Research Photographers typically possess technical photography skills and an understanding of the research subject to accurately and effectively record findings.

What is the highest paying photographer job?

Commercial photographers, including those working in advertising, fashion, and product photography, tend to have the highest earning potential among photography roles. Specialized skills, a strong portfolio, and experience with high-end clients or large-scale projects often lead to higher salaries in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Field Research Photographer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Field Research Photographer, you need strong photography skills, attention to detail, and a background in visual documentation, often supported by a degree in photography or related field. Familiarity with professional camera equipment, photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop, and sometimes GIS mapping tools is typically required. Strong communication, adaptability, and problem-solving skills are essential for navigating unpredictable field conditions and collaborating with research teams. These skills ensure accurate, high-quality visual data collection that supports research objectives and effective information sharing.

What are some common challenges faced by Field Research Photographers during on-site assignments?

Field Research Photographers often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, difficult terrain, and limited access to resources while working in remote locations. Adapting quickly to changing environments and ensuring the safety and protection of equipment are crucial skills. Additionally, they must balance capturing high-quality, scientifically valuable images with adhering to research protocols and collaborating effectively with field scientists and team members. Flexibility and problem-solving are key to overcoming these challenges and successfully documenting research in diverse settings.
More about Field Research Photographer jobs
What job categories do people searching Field Research Photographer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Field Research Photographer jobs are:
Field Research Photographer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Field Research Photographer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,345 per year, or $20.4 per hour.
Field Inspector

Field Inspector

EXP

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$24 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Job Description
At EXP, we're driven to provide innovative solutions for the world's built and natural environments. As a team of engineers, architects, designers, scientists, creators and a community of professionals, we bring diverse and talented people together to solve the world's most complex challenges. Here, you join a team that leverages differences, harnesses their entrepreneurial spirit in an employee-owned company, that believes diversity is what gives us strength, seeks sustainable results and shares ambitions for each other, our clients and the communities we are part of and serve. To be a part of EXP means to have your own experience, while staying connected to a global network of professionals, who believe we are a part of something bigger. Together, we are EXP.
Are you ready to design your future?
Be our next Field Inspector.
Your work environment at EXP
In this role, the Field Inspector will play a key part in supporting permitting and construction-related activities for utility clients. This role involves pre-field research, on-site inspections, and field documentation to support both permit applications and permit closeout efforts. The Field Inspector will safely operate a company vehicle, perform site reconnaissance, capture photographic documentation, and record field conditions to support permitting jurisdictions and utility construction activities.
What a day at EXP has in store for you
  • Conduct pre-field research by reviewing permit requirements, work requests, spreadsheets, and utility sketches or drawings.
  • Read and interpret utility designs, sketches, and as-built documentation to identify work locations and limits.
  • Perform site visits to support permit applications, including documenting existing site conditions prior to construction.
  • Capture and document field photographs required for submission to permitting jurisdictions before construction activities.
  • Perform field inspections to support permit closeout and post-construction verification as assigned.
  • Safely drive a company-provided vehicle to multiple field locations in accordance with company policies and DOT requirements.
  • Document field observations, site conditions, and inspection findings using provided tools and templates.
  • Coordinate with internal project teams and local or state permitting agencies when requested.
  • Follow all safety, health, and environmental requirements while performing fieldwork.
  • Comply with applicable Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.
  • Adhere to company-mandated defensive driving practices.
  • Maintain an acceptable driving record and complete required driver safety training.
  • Promptly report safety concerns, incidents, or vehicle issues.

What your experience looks like
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Ability to read and understand utility sketches, designs, or as-built drawings.
  • Experience with field inspections, permitting support, utilities, construction, or infrastructure projects preferred.
  • Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently in the field.
  • Basic proficiency with Microsoft Excel and electronic document management tools.
  • Field-based role requiring daily travel to project sites.
  • Work performed outdoors in varying weather conditions.
  • Ability to walk, stand, and safely navigate streets, sidewalks, and active work zones.

The hourly range for this role is $24 to $30. Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the candidate's skill set, experience, certifications, and geographic location. Compensation may vary by location due to differences in the cost of labor.
In addition to competitive pay, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for all full-time employees, including health insurance, vacation time, and 401(k) retirement benefits.
About Us
Our story
With a mission to understand, innovate, partner and deliver, EXP provides engineering, architecture, design and consulting services to the world's built and natural environments.
Our heritage dates back to 1906, when the earliest of EXP's predecessor companies started its engineering infrastructure practice. Today, thousands of creative professionals across EXP work together to deliver extraordinary experiences year after year.
What makes us different
The passion, enthusiasm, diversity and industry-leading capabilities of our employees make us who we are. We're committed to providing a challenging work environment that cultivates career growth, encourages creativity and rewards excellence.
Find out more about life at EXP by visiting www.exp.com.
About the Team
EXP is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer who fully and actively supports equal access for all people regardless of Race, Color, Sex, Religion, Gender, Age, National Origin, Veteran Status, Disability, Genetic Information or Testing, Family and Medical Leave, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity or Expression.
Should you need any special accommodations, please feel free to contact us at hrsupport@exp.com and we will arrange for the most suitable accommodations based on your needs.

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