To become an entry-level photographer, you need previous camera and photography experience, knowledge of digital photography, and the ability to edit photos for clients or your employer. Educational qualifications for photographers vary. Some photographers have only a high school diploma or GED certificate. Other professionals may have on-the-job training through an apprenticeship or photography assistant position or postsecondary education such as a bachelor’s degree in photography or fine arts. Essential skills for the job include strong interpersonal, technical, and creative problem-solving abilities, as well as attention to detail and computer proficiency with photo editing software.

If you are interested in a job related to Entry Level Photographer, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.

Top Types Of Entry Level Photographer Jobs

List of the top 9 highest paying Entry Level Photographer positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

Photographer
Salary range: $32,000 - $45,000
Professional photographers capture moments using cameras and other equipment. They often take pictures of people, but they also photograph outdoor locations, artwork, animals, and a wide range of other subjects. Photographers may take pictures for their own use, or they may be hired by individuals, groups, or companies. Before the photo shoot, professional photographers offer advice about locations, settings, and poses based on their expertise. Standard tools used by a photographer include a camera, tripod, different types of camera lenses, photo editing software, and backdrops. Professional photographers may work independently on a contract basis, or they may work for a company or agency as a staff photographer.
Photography
Salary range: $32,000 - $45,000
Photography professionals, also called photographers, capture moments using cameras and other equipment. They most often take pictures of people, but they also photograph places, artwork, animals, and a wide range of other subjects. Photographers may take pictures for their own use, or they may be hired by individuals, groups, or companies. Before the photo shoot, photographers offer advice about locations, settings, and poses based on their expertise. Standard tools used by a photographer include a camera, tripod, different types of camera lenses, photo editing software, and backdrops. Photographers may work independently on a contract basis, or they may work for a company or agency as a staff photographer.
Work From Home Photo Retouching
Salary range: $57,000 - $79,500
Work From Home Photo Retouching is a typical job search query Most salaries for Work From Home Photo Retouching jobs pay between $57,000 (25th percentile) and $79,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Work From Home Photo Retouching job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Entry Level Sports Photographer
Salary range: $40,000 - $40,000
Entry Level Sports Photographer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Entry Level Sports Photographer jobs pay between $40,000 (25th percentile) and $40,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Entry Level Sports Photographer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Freelance Photographer
Salary range: $125,500 - $142,000
As a freelance photographer, you are a self-employed professional who takes photos for clients. You perform jobs on a contract basis, managing your client list and workflow on your own. Freelance photographers work in a variety of specialties including wedding photography, urban journalism, and photography for travel magazines and websites—your specialty, or if you even have a specialty, is up to you. Since you work on a freelance basis, job duties are defined however you choose, but common contracts might require you to take on the role of photographer, editor, curator, contract negotiator, promoter, printer, and anything else required to run a successful business.
Photographer Assistant
Salary range: $24,000 - $41,500
A photographer assistant supports a professional photographer during the shooting and editing process. The specific job duties may vary, depending on the type of photographer you work for and the size and type of the organization. In general, your responsibilities as a photographer assistant include organizing, maintaining, and sometimes transporting equipment, such as lighting and cameras. You also need to ensure that everything the photographer needs for the photo shoot is easily accessible. For studio shoots or elaborate outdoor shoots, you may be responsible for setting up special lighting and sets. After a shoot, you may assist in editing the photos using digital editing software. Once the images have been adjusted, you need to organize the portfolios, send proofs to clients for approval, or deliver prints. Travel may be required for this job.
Junior Photo Editor
Salary range: $34,000 - $62,000
Junior Photo Editor is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Junior Photo Editor jobs pay between $34,000 (25th percentile) and $62,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Junior Photo Editor job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Resort Photographer
Salary range: $32,000 - $45,000
Resort Photographer is a typical job search query Most salaries for Resort Photographer jobs pay between $32,000 (25th percentile) and $45,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Resort Photographer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Photographer No Experience
Salary range: $32,000 - $45,000
Photographer No Experience is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Photographer No Experience jobs pay between $32,000 (25th percentile) and $45,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Photographer No Experience job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

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