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Stock Photography Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Photography Coordinator

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$55K - $66K/yr

Overview The Photography Coordinator is a creative and operational partner within the New York ... Stock Purchase Plan * Life Insurance * Flexible Spending Account * Opportunities for Advancement

Visual Lease

Director Photography

Richmond, VA · On-site

$150K/yr

Director, Photography - CoStar Group - Richmond, VA Role Overview At CoStar Group, Photography ... Employee stock purchase plan. * Paid time off. * Tuition reimbursement. * On‑site fitness center ...

Pheaa

Graphic and Digital Designer

Harrisburg, PA · Hybrid

$42K/yr

Research relevant photos from approved online stock photography, graphics, and illustrations that match brand style and coordinate with content on marketing materials. Create tagged PDF documents ...

Nichols College

Creative Design Specialist

Dudley, MA · On-site

$60K/yr

Research and manage stock photography and video; manage creative and digital graphics subscriptions; work with outside photographers, including Nichols College student staff; manage work study ...

NICHOLS COLLEGE

Creative Design Specialist

Dudley, MA · On-site

$60K/yr

Research and manage stock photography and video; manage creative and digital graphics subscriptions; work with outside photographers, including Nichols College student staff; manage work study ...

Nexstar Media Group

Digital Producer

Bismarck, ND · On-site

Understand different ways to tell a story, particularly producing short videos and choosing great photos from station archives and stock photography options. * Evaluate website traffic trends to make ...

Tribune Media

Digital Producer

Bismarck, ND · On-site

Understand different ways to tell a story, particularly producing short videos and choosing great photos from station archives and stock photography options. * Evaluate website traffic trends to make ...

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Stock Photography information

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$23K

$62.3K

$75K

How much do stock photography jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for stock photography in the United States is $62,338.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $71,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is stock photography?

Stock photography refers to a collection of images that are licensed for specific uses, such as in advertisements, websites, or publications. These photos are taken by professional photographers and made available through stock photo agencies or websites. Clients can purchase the rights to use these images without hiring a photographer for a custom photo shoot. Stock photography offers a quick and cost-effective way to obtain high-quality visuals for various projects. It covers a wide range of subjects and styles to meet diverse needs.

How to get a job in stock photography?

The qualifications to get a job in stock photography include having relevant experience with a camera and professional-quality photography equipment. Most photographers spend several years practicing as hobbyists or professionals before submitting stock photographs for consideration. This job does not require any formal education, though many photographers attend classes to help develop their skills. Buyers usually judge photos exclusively by quality, and some may have additional standards and requirements for image sizes and file types. Fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of a job in stock photography requires excellent eyesight, attention to detail, and the ability to create specific images.

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

To thrive as a Stock Photographer, you need strong photography skills, an understanding of visual composition, and knowledge of copyright and licensing, often supported by a portfolio showcasing diverse work. Familiarity with photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom and using stock platforms such as Shutterstock or Getty Images is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to anticipate market trends are important soft skills for success in this field. These skills ensure you produce high-quality, marketable images that meet client demands and generate consistent income.

What are some common challenges stock photographers face when building a diverse and marketable portfolio?

Stock photographers often encounter challenges such as keeping up with market trends, ensuring model and property releases are in place, and producing images that meet technical quality standards. Additionally, standing out in a highly competitive marketplace requires consistent creativity and an understanding of which subjects are in demand. Collaborating with models, stylists, and sometimes other photographers is common, and effective communication is key to capturing authentic and usable images.

What is the difference between Stock Photography vs Photographer?

AspectStock PhotographyPhotographer
CredentialsTypically none required; some may have photography certificationsOften requires photography skills, portfolio, and sometimes certifications
Work EnvironmentStock photo agencies, online platforms, remote workVaries: studios, on-location shoots, freelance or agency settings
Industry UsageUsed by businesses, marketers, media for licensing imagesProvides custom or specific images for clients or personal projects

While stock photography involves creating and licensing generic images for commercial use, photographers produce custom images tailored to specific client needs or personal projects. Both roles require photography skills, but stock photographers often focus on producing large volumes of versatile images for licensing, whereas photographers may work on unique, commissioned projects.

How do you become a stock photographer?

To become a stock photographer, you should build a portfolio of high-quality, diverse images that meet industry standards, and then submit your work to stock photography platforms. Familiarity with photo editing tools and understanding licensing requirements are also important for success in this field.

How much do stock photographers make?

Stock photographers typically earn between $20,000 and $50,000 annually, with top earners making more through exclusive or high-demand images. Income depends on factors such as experience, image quality, licensing fees, and the number of sales or downloads they generate.

Is stock photography a good career?

Stock photography as a career involves creating and licensing images for commercial use, often requiring strong photography skills and knowledge of licensing platforms. Income can vary widely based on image quality, niche, and sales volume, and it is typically a freelance or part-time pursuit rather than a full-time job. Success depends on building a diverse portfolio and understanding market demand.

Is stock photography still profitable?

Stock photography remains a viable income source for photographers, with platforms like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock offering opportunities to sell images. Profitability depends on image quality, niche selection, and consistent uploading, but competition and market saturation can impact earnings.
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Cities with the most Stock Photography job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Stock Photography jobs?

The most popular types of Stock Photography jobs are:

What states have the most Stock Photography jobs?

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Stock Photography jobs near you
Infographic showing various Stock Photography job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,338 per year, or $30 per hour.

WS - Student Media Assistant - Photography - FWS

Pikeville, KY • On-site

University of Pikeville
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about University of Pikevilleexternal

$8.75/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

MARCOM Student Media Assistant - Photography - FWS
Division: Support Services
Department: MarCom
Experience: Entry-level
Job Code: FWSPRMEDIAAST
Supervisor/Reports To: Larry Epling
Start Date: 8/24/2026
Join the Marketing & Communications team to support our visual media efforts, with a strong emphasis on photography and video production. In this hands-on role, you will produce dynamic content covering campus events, athletic matchups, and general campus life. You will also gain valuable real-world experience by supporting the supervisor on major, high-priority photoshoots and team media days. This is an entry level position on the student media team. Applicants should be freshmen - juniors who are open to learning about photography in a University setting.
Responsibilities and Career Competencies:
  1. Capture vibrant photos of student-sponsored activities and assist the supervisor at major events, including white coat ceremonies, commencements, and press conferences. P, C, TW, T
  2. Shoot general stock photography of campus buildings and student life across various settings, such as morning light, plaza activities, night scenes, and weather events. P, TW, T
  3. Collaborate directly with MarComm staff to pitch, execute, and support media projects with necessary photo and video content. P, TW, T, C
  4. Assist with general video production projects as needed. TW, T, C
  5. Support digital asset management efforts by properly tagging archival footage. T, C
  6. Commit to 3-5 designated in-office hours each week. This time is specifically reserved for batch-editing photos from large shoots and receiving direct mentorship and training from the MarComm team. P, C, TW, T
  7. Deliver shot footage (photos/video) in a timely fashion in uncropped format to supervisor so they may be posted on university galleries. TW, P, C, T

Competencies/Skills: Career & Self-Development (CSD), Communication (C), Critical Thinking (CT), Community Transformation (CTR), Leadership (L), Professionalism (P), Teamwork (TW), Technology (T)
Education Requirements: Must be enrolled and in good academic standing at UPIKE.
Preferred Skills: Computer knowledge, social media & new technology, strong active listening, willingness to learn.
Work Schedule: Monday-Saturday varies depending on workload. No Sunday hours. Flexible to fit student class schedule.
Work Conditions: Normal office environment; heat, cold, noise.
Physical Demands: Keyboarding, reaching/handling, stooping/kneeling.
Number of Positions: 1
Pay Rate: $8.75/hour
Location: Administration Building, 1st Floor
To Apply: Complete required sections and upload your academic and practice schedule along with your resume.
Application Notes: Resumes and applications will be reviewed to determine if you meet the required qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the required qualifications, your application materials will be used to identify a top group of the most highly qualified candidates. The University of Pikeville is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. The University of Pikeville does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, or disabilities in its programs, activities, hiring, or admission of students.

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