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Graduate Photographer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Graduate Photographer information

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How much do graduate photographer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate 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.

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

To thrive as a Graduate Photographer, you need a solid grasp of photography principles, creative vision, and a relevant degree or diploma in photography or visual arts. Familiarity with professional cameras, photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, and basic lighting equipment is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and adaptability help you collaborate with clients and respond to diverse shooting environments. These skills ensure high-quality, compelling images that meet client needs and build a strong professional portfolio.

What are some common challenges Graduate Photographers face when starting out in the industry?

Graduate Photographers often encounter challenges such as building a diverse and compelling portfolio, establishing a client base, and learning to manage the business aspects of freelance or studio work. Adjusting to a fast-paced environment and handling feedback from clients or senior photographers can also be part of the learning curve. However, these challenges provide valuable opportunities for skill development, networking, and creative growth in the early stages of a photography career.

What is a Graduate Photographer?

A Graduate Photographer is someone who has recently completed a photography degree or related program and is starting their professional career in photography. These individuals typically have foundational knowledge in various photography techniques, editing software, and visual storytelling. Graduate Photographers may work as assistants, freelance photographers, or in entry-level positions to gain practical experience and build their portfolios. They often focus on developing a unique style and expanding their network in the industry. Over time, they may specialize in areas such as portrait, commercial, or event photography.

What is the difference between Graduate Photographer vs Assistant Photographer?

AspectGraduate PhotographerAssistant Photographer
Required CredentialsTypically a degree or diploma in photography or related fieldOften a high school diploma; some experience or training preferred
Work EnvironmentIndependent or freelance work, studio, or on-location shootsSupports lead photographer, assists during shoots, and handles equipment
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in creative studios, media companies, or freelance settingsCommonly employed in photography studios, event photography, or media

The main difference between a Graduate Photographer and an Assistant Photographer lies in their experience and responsibilities. Graduate Photographers are often starting their careers, focusing on developing their skills and building a portfolio, while Assistant Photographers support experienced photographers during shoots. Both roles are essential in the photography industry, with the Graduate Photographer position often serving as a stepping stone to more independent roles.

More about Graduate Photographer jobs
Infographic showing various Graduate Photographer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 2% Full Time, 85% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 8% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 33% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 66% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,345 per year, or $20.4 per hour.
Graduate Assistant Pool in Department of Wildlife Management (Academic Year 26/27)

Graduate Assistant Pool in Department of Wildlife Management (Academic Year 26/27)

California State University

Humboldt, TN • On-site

$1.62K/mo

Other

Posted 4 days ago


California State University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

211th of 530 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Graduate Assistant Pool in Department of Wildlife Management (Academic Year 26/27)

Apply now Job no: 555714
Work type: Graduate Assistant
Location: Humboldt
Categories: Unit 11 - UAW - California Alliance of Academic Student Workers, Temporary, Part Time

Vacancy Announcement

Position Type: Graduate Assistant

Term of Appointment: Academic Year 2026/2027 (Fall or Spring, or both)

Hours of Appointment: up to 0.50 time base (up to 20 hours/week)

Pay Rate: up to approx. $1,622.00/month

Positions Available: Multiple

Department of Wildlife Management

Overview

Under immediate supervision, Graduate Assistants (GA) provide non-teaching assistance to faculty members and gain practical experience in fields related to their advance study. GA work may involve supervising students in a classroom, workshop, or laboratory (where final responsibility for the class and its entire instruction, including the performance of the GA, is vested in a member of the faculty); training students in the use of equipment or other resources; assisting faculty with research and preparation of course materials; participating in the evaluation of students' work; tutoring students; and other related work. Students applying for GA positions must be currently enrolled in a graduate program at Humboldt. Academic Student Employees may not concurrently hold a faculty or staff position. Students with assignments in more than one student classification (i.e., Teaching Associate, Instructional Student Assistant, and Student Assistant) are restricted to working a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic year. The 20 hour per week maximum includes hours worked in all positions. 

See Classification Standards for more information: https://www.humboldt.edu/academic-personnel-services/employee-recruitment/academic-student-unit-11

Job Duties JOB # 124: Wildlife Management: Graduate Assistant

Job duties will vary depending on the course to which the Graduate Assistant (GA) is assigned. GAs will work directly with students and lead instructors to maximize the learning of students enrolled in the course, which may involve teaching, mentoring, laboratory preparation, field trip assistance, data management, and/or holding office hours. Driving for university business (i.e. field trips) is infrequent, but may be required for a few of the positions. If driving will occur, a background check consisting of a Motor Vehicle Report will be required prior to being allowed to drive.

Appointments are for a single term (Fall or Spring). Fall appointments may be renewed for the Spring semester dependent upon program need, budget, and satisfactory performance.

Minimum Qualifications for this Classification

Knowledge and Abilities: Knowledge of the subject matter of the discipline in which assigned. Ability to relate well to others within the academic environment; ability to supervise, assist, and train students; and ability to assist faculty in the conduct of special projects/research within the discipline.

Experience: For the initial appointment, evidence of satisfactory achievement in previous academic work. For subsequent appointment, evidence of satisfactory progress toward completion of the degree.

Education: Equivalent to completion of the requirements for a bachelor's degree and registration in a CSU graduate degree program. Students enrolled in credential programs are not eligible for this position.

Note: Exceptions to the minimum eligibility qualifications may be granted at the sole discretion of Cal Poly Humboldt.

Department Hiring Criteria JOB # 124: Wildlife Management: Graduate Assistant

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION: Advanced coursework and experience in Wildlife relevant to the course assignment is required. After reviewing application materials, the Wildlife Department, in consultation with the lead instructors of courses, selects graduate students whose skills, experience, prior education, and course of study best meet the needs of the position.

How to Apply and Contact Information

Please submit the following required application materials via CHRS Recruiting (PageUp):

  • Letter of Interest/Cover Letter (information regarding expectations can be found here);
  • Resume/CV;
  • Application for Employment (complete in CHRS Recruiting - PageUp);
  • Current Unofficial Transcripts.

Please direct any questions pertaining to this position, the Department of Wildlife Management, or Cal Poly Humboldt to:

Department of Wildlife Management

Cal Poly Humboldt

Email: wildlife@humboldt.edu 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Availability of positions are contingent upon departmental need, budget, and enrollment. Priority review date is April 1, 2026 - Early response is encouraged.

See more photos at Cal Poly Humboldt's Flickr page

Notice: It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide complete and accurate employment information. A background check must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position that is designated as sensitive under CSU guidelines. The background check will include, at a minimum, a criminal records check. Certain positions may also require a credit check, motor vehicle report, and/or fingerprinting through Live Scan service. Adverse findings from a background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU student workers who apply for the position. All CSU employees are obligated to respond to and report incidents of sexual harassment and sexual violence. The successful candidate for this position will be mandated to receive relevant training on an annual basis. The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Cal Poly Humboldt is a Title IX/Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status. If accommodations need to be made during the recruitment and interview process, please contact Human Resources at (707) 826-3626 or hr@humboldt.edu 

Advertised: Feb 27 2026 Pacific Standard Time
Applications close: Feb 21 2027 Pacific Standard Time

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About California State University

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California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

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1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Long Beach, CA, US