SoFi

The median annual pay for travel agents is $46,400, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics most recent data.

Travel is a passion many people share, but not many people are fortunate enough to make their love of travel their full-time job. If someone is skilled at finding the best travel deals and building the perfect vacation itinerary, they may find that working as a travel agent is a rewarding way to earn a living.

To better understand what it’s like to work as a travel agent and how much they earn, keep reading.

What Are Travel Agents?

Travel agents help their clients plan and book their trips. They may work for an individual client to plan their vacation or a corporate client to book their work travel. No two trips they manage are likely to be exactly the same, but they can help arrange everything from flights to hotels to excursions to dining reservations. Many travel agents can also give their clients access to deals through partner hotels and other travel vendors.

A travel agent can work independently. In-house at a large corporation, or for a major travel company. They may pursue this work full-time or as a side hustle. Given that a significant part of this career involves working with individuals to understand their travel aspirations and needs, it’s likely not a good job for antisocial people.

Travel agents can train in different ways: Some have a bachelor’s degree in an allied field or an associate’s degree in travel and tourism. There are many professional training programs and certifications available, such as ASTA, IATA, TIDS, and CLIA for different dimensions of travel planning.

As part of their work, travel agents may have the opportunity to visit various properties and destinations to make sure they would be a good fit for clients and learn about their selling points. This is often available at a reduced rate or for free and can be a major perk of working as a travel agent.

However, it’s worth noting that travel agents likely have to be available 24/7 and can deal with considerable stress, if, say, a client misses their flight or extreme weather ruins a vacation.


💡 Quick Tip: We love a good spreadsheet, but not everyone feels the same. An online budget planner can give you the same insight into your budgeting and spending at a glance, without the extra effort.

How Much Do Starting Travel Agents Make a Year?

If you’re wondering how much money a travel agent makes, the answer will depend a lot on how experienced the travel agent in question is. For example, entry-level travel agents can earn a lot less than more experienced agents. The lowest 10% of earners in this role make less than $29,650.

The highest 10% make more competitive pay north of $64,100. And there are those travel agents who work in the luxury sector who make considerably more.

Indeed, some could make an annual salary of $100,000 or more.

What is the Average Salary for a Travel Agent?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the latest median pay per year for travel agents is $46,400 and the median hourly pay is $22.31.

Alongside experience, location can majorly impact a travel agent’s earning potential. The following table illustrates how much a travel agent’s average salary can vary by state, arranged from highest to lowest. For example, in New York, travel agents make an average annual salary of $51,002, but in Arkansas, they earn almost $20,000 less at an average of $33,194.

What is the Average Travel Agent Salary by State for 2023

Source: ZipRecruiter

Travel Agent Job Considerations for Pay & Benefits

Working as a travel agent can be very flexible. While full-time positions are available in this role, some travel agents choose to work part-time or for themselves as entrepreneurs.

When working full-time for a travel advisory firm, travel agents can expect to gain access to benefits like health insurance and retirement contribution matching. If they work part-time or are self-employed, they will need to provide themselves with those benefits, which can eat into their take-home pay.


💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

Pros and Cons of Travel Agent Salary

The main disadvantage of a travel agent’s salary is that the median annual salary is on the lower side at just $46,400. That being said, one of the main advantages of this salary is that it can come with hefty bonuses based on travel bookings with partners that offer commissions to travel agents. Also, travel agents often get discounts and freebies as they themselves travel to check out new resorts and attractions.

Travel agents who work for themselves can also choose to set their own rates and can potentially earn more. Or those who cater to high net-worth individuals may be able to raise their income.

Recommended: Work-from-Home Jobs for Retirees

The Takeaway

A travel agent who is super organized and passionate about travel can help make their client’s lives easier and their trips more enjoyable. In exchange for their savviness, some travel agents earn good salaries doing work that they truly enjoy and have perks that involve more travel at lower or no cost for their own purposes.

SoFi helps you stay on top of your finances.

FAQ

Can you make 100k a year as a travel agent?

While most travel agents don’t earn $100,000 per year, those who choose to work for themselves and set their own rates or cater to an elite clientele can possibly make six figures. Many travel agents work on commission, so they can also stand to earn more if their clients book a lot of expensive trips.

Do people like being a travel agent?

Many people like working as a travel agent because it’s a fun way to put their love of travel to use. It tends to be a good job for those who consider themselves to be a “people person” since there’s lots of interaction with clients. Also, it’s good for people who can “roll with the punches” since travel plans often change for various reasons.

Is it hard to get hired as a travel agent?

The demand for travel agents is on par with the average of other professions. So, while it’s not seeing a surge in need, there should be availability of jobs as a travel agent.

Photo credit: iStock/Dimensions

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

SORL0124040

A career as a psychiatrist can be highly rewarding, both professionally and financially, with the average annual salary in the U.S. coming in at $259,497, according to ZipRecruiter.

Becoming a psychiatrist requires a lot of dedication and time — 12 years on average. But as the need for mental health services outstrips demand in the U.S., the outlook for a career in psychiatry is strong. Indeed, the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration predicts a shortage of 39,550 psychiatrists by 2030 if current supply and utilization patterns continue.

Read on to learn more about how much a psychiatrist makes, as well as the job’s requirements, duties, and benefits.

What Are Psychiatrists?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They are qualified to assess mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, and prescribe medication.

The duties of a psychiatrist generally include:

•   Assessing patients’ mental health through interviews, reviewing medical history, and testing

•   Delivering an accurate diagnosis and developing a treatment plan

•   Consulting with other mental health professionals

•   Prescribing medication if needed

•   Following up with patients and making treatment adjustments if necessary

•   Documenting each patient’s diagnosis and progress

•   Offering emotional support and coping mechanisms

•   Staying current on new developments and psychiatric treatment methods

An effective psychiatrist should be able to:

•   Be compassionate and empathetic. These qualities allow a psychiatrist to understand what’s going on with their patients.

•   Establish trust. Patients need to feel safe opening up to their doctors.

•   Be patient. The road to mental wellness can be a long one.

•   Possess strong communication skills. Psychiatry is not a job for introverts. A successful psychiatrist needs to be able to actively listen, provide guidance, and communicate solutions.

•   Maintain flexibility. The job requires flexibility in both your schedule and treatment approaches in order to provide customized help for each patient.

💡 Quick Tip: When you have questions about what you can and can’t afford, a spending tracker app can show you the answer. With no guilt trip or hourly fee.

How Much Do Starting Psychiatrists Make a Year?

Professional psychiatrists can make over $100,000, even as a starting salary. Both the bottom 10% of earners and beginning psychiatrists make, on average, $133,000 a year.

What is the Average Salary for a Psychiatrist?

Being a psychiatrist is one of the highest paying jobs in the U.S. The typical salary ranges from $68,500 to $399,000 a year, with the average psychiatrist salary in the U.S. landing at $259,497. However, location makes a significant impact on how much a psychiatrist gets paid, with the average salary in New York City coming in at $283,899.

A psychiatrist can command a yearly salary or an hourly wage in a private practice. As for how much a psychiatrist makes in an hour, the national average is $125.

What is the Average Psychiatrist Salary by State?

Psychiatrists can earn competitive pay no matter where they live and work. However, geographic location does have an influence on how much a psychiatrist makes. Here’s a look at the average psychiatrist annual salary by state.

Recommended: What Is a Good Entry-Level Salary?

Psychiatrist Job Considerations for Pay & Benefits

A professional psychiatrist can earn a high salary while helping to improve the lives of others. But there are a lot of steps you need to take in order to become a licensed psychiatrist. These include:

1.    Earning a bachelor’s degree, preferably in psychology, biology or biochemistry.

2.    Taking the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). The MCAT is a challenging standardized test used as an admissions requirement when applying for a medical degree program.

3.    Applying to and attending medical school. Medical school typically takes about four years to complete as a full-time student.

4.    Completing a four-year medical residency. This is required to obtain your medical license and involves treating patients in real-world scenarios. It’s generally a good idea to obtain your license in the same state you intend to practice in.

In addition to a strong job prospects and a high salary, psychiatrists who work for a public, private, or government institution may be eligible for the following job benefits:

•   Health insurance — medical, vision, and dental

•   Life and disability insurance

•   Vacation and holiday pay

•   Paid sick leave

•   Retirement plans

•   Malpractice coverage

Of course, if you open your own practice, you’ll have to cover those benefits yourself. But you’ll have the flexibility to set your own schedule and session rates.


💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

Pros and Cons of Being a Psychiatrist

As with any profession, there are positive and negative sides to being a psychiatrist. Here’s a closer look at the jobs pros and cons.

Pros of Being a Psychiatrist

•   Opportunity to help others: One of the reasons people enter the field of psychiatry is to help change people for the better and, in some cases, save their lives.

•   Mix of patients: You’ll be challenged with helping people of all different ages and backgrounds to achieve mental wellness.

•   Work in a variety of places: Psychiatrists can work in private offices, hospitals, schools, mental health clinics, and other institutions.

•   Form relationships: In addition to establishing relationships with their patients, many psychiatrists have the opportunity to work with other professionals, including psychologists and occupational therapists, as part of a holistic treatment plan.

•   Be your own boss: If you decide to form your own practice, you’ll be able to set your own schedule and session rates.

•   Job security: As noted above, psychiatry is one of the types of jobs that are currently in demand.

Cons of Being a Psychiatrist

•   Emotionally draining: Caring for patients, especially those who have dealt with traumatic experiences, can be emotionally exhausting. The stress of responsibility coupled with intense sessions can potentially lead to professional burnout.

•   Substantial educational debt: The 12 years or more of school plus residency required to become a psychiatrist can be costly and leave you a lot of student loans to repay.

•   Irregular hours: Many psychiatrists have to be flexible in order to accommodate working patients and don’t work the traditional nine-to-five hours.

•   Fluctuating income: The goal of any psychiatrist is to help people manage their lives on their own, which means patients (hopefully) come and go. If you have a private practice, you could experience fluctuations in income from year to year.

•   Physical danger: Unfortunately, some more severely mentally ill patients can potentially become physically violent with their doctors.

•   Risk of lawsuits: Patients can sue their psychiatrist for prescription errors, a misdiagnosis, or session misconduct. Your place of work or private practice will have to have malpractice insurance.

Recommended: Best Entry-Level Jobs for Antisocial People

The Takeaway

You can earn a lot of money working as a psychiatrist if you are willing to spend years on your education, with the average psychiatrist salary coming in at $259,497. But helping others is also calling. When you make a difference in a person’s life, the rewards can be more than financial.

Whatever type of job you pursue, you’ll want to make sure your earnings can cover your everyday expenses. To help ensure your monthly inflows always exceed your monthly outflows, try creating a budget and check out financial tools that can help track your income and spending.

FAQ

Can you make $100k a year as a psychiatrist?

Yes. The average salary range for a psychiatrist is $68,500 and $399,000 a year.

Do people like being a psychiatrist?

While the job can be emotionally draining at times, many psychiatrists find tremendous satisfaction in helping others.

Is it hard to get hired as a psychiatrist?

No. There is currently a great demand for psychiatrists, and there will likely always be a need to help patients with mental health issues.

Photo credit: iStock/SDI Productions

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

SORL0124032

The median annual pay for chefs is $56,520 for the most recent year studied, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This can be a great career for foodies and creative types who love being in the kitchen and can deal with pressures of a food service job.

A good meal can really make someone’s day, whether they’re celebrating a special occasion or not. Chefs can work in a variety of settings, from local eateries to cruise ships to corporate dining rooms to test kitchens. Read on to learn more about the kind of salary a chef earns and more.

What Are Chefs?

Professional chefs do so much more than cook food.

•   Many chefs are in charge of other kitchen staff and help guide them to success in their careers. (For this reason, it may not be a good job for introverts.)

•   They may also manage inventory and ordering food and confirm ingredients are fresh and ready to use.

•   They may develop recipes and create menus.

•   Chefs may hire and train other chefs to work below them.

•   If a chef owns their own restaurant, they will also take on all the work associated with running a business.

Chefs don’t exclusively work in restaurants. Some may work for catering companies, in hotels, on cruise ships, or at event spaces. They may even work for large offices that cater food for employees each day or at schools and universities, feeding hungry students. There are also chefs who may run their own business, catering local parties and weddings, or providing baked goods for cafes.

What’s more, chefs don’t necessarily need special training. Some may have degrees in food service or hospitality, and others may have attended culinary school or taken classes in various techniques. But others are simply talented people with great skills and taste to share.

That said, working in food service can require being on your feet for long hours and with significant pressure since there are hungry people waiting to be fed.


💡 Quick Tip: When you have questions about what you can and can’t afford, a spending tracker app can show you the answer. With no guilt trip or hourly fee.

How Much Do Starting Chefs Make a Year?

Entry-level chefs can expect to make less than the average salary for a chef, as that figure reflects more years of experience and working one’s way up the pay scale. Instead, a person just starting out might expect to earn more on a par with the lowest 10% of chefs, or less than $33,750.

Worth noting: The top 10% of earners in this role make more than $91,520, indicating that there is the potential to earn $100,000 a year in this career. That is more likely to happen for those who live in major cities or land a job with a big brand or hospitality chain or perhaps find fame as a chef on social media.

What is the Average Salary for a Chef?

In addition to how experienced they are, what state a chef works in can also majorly impact how much money they earn. While the median nationwide salary for chefs is currently $56,520 per year, the following table highlights how much variance chefs can see in pay depending on the state they live and work in.

For example, chefs in New Jersey tend to earn more than the national median ($56,764 on average), whereas Florida chefs earn much less ($34,602 on average).

This table is arranged from highest to lowest salary, and shares hourly pay as well.

What is the Average Chef Salary by State for 2023

Source: ZipRecruiter

Recommended: Pros and Cons of Raising Minimum Wage

Chef Job Considerations for Pay & Benefits

It’s hard to pinpoint what potential benefits chefs gain access to in addition to their hourly wage or annual salary.

That being said, many chefs who work full-time will qualify for traditional employer-sponsored benefits like retirement savings accounts, health insurance, and paid time off.

Chefs who work part-time may not qualify for any benefits, and those who own their own businesses will be responsible for securing those benefits.


💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

Pros and Cons of Chef Salary

The main advantage of a chef’s salary is that many years of expensive schooling aren’t required to earn a decent salary. Not having to worry about student loans can help a chef’s salary stretch a lot further. While some chefs may choose to attend culinary programs at a technical school, culinary arts school, community college, or a four-year college, this education can be obtained affordably.

On the flip side, it can be challenging to find a full-time role as a chef that comes with benefits, and the tradeoff for a decent salary is often very long and hard working hours, with a considerable degree of stress.

Recommended: What Does Competitive Pay Mean?

The Takeaway

Working as a chef can be an exciting way to earn a solid living. Those who are passionate about food will likely love going to work every day. This job does come with its challenges—primarily, it is physically demanding and under high pressure—but can be a great way to turn a love of food and cooking into a career.

See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.

FAQ

Can you make 100k a year as a chef?

While it is possible to earn $100,000 a year as a chef, it isn’t typical to earn that much. The median annual salary for chefs is $56,520. That being said, chefs who work in fine dining or who own their own businesses may be able to earn more competitive pay.

Do people like being a chef?

If someone loves to cook, they will likely enjoy being a chef. However, this job does require a lot of social interaction with other members of the kitchen and wait staff, so it’s not a great fit for anyone who is antisocial.

Is it hard to get hired as a chef?

There are about 22,000 openings annually for chefs and head cooks, and job opportunities are growing faster than average. So if someone has the right skill set and qualifications, they should be able to find a job as a chef. It is important to note that it may be challenging to get hired as a chef if someone lives in an area without a lot of restaurants or lacks industry experience.

Photo credit: Dimensions

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

SORL0124033

The most recent median annual salary for physician assistants is $126,010 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is significantly more (about twice) the average pay of all jobs in the US.

Working as a physicians assistant can be a fulfilling way to have a career in the medical industry without having to spend as much time or money on school as a doctor. Like doctors, physician assistants stand to make a lot of money, but can save on tuition costs since they typically only need a master’s degree to work in this role.

Keep reading to learn more about what physician assistants do and how much money they make.

What Are Physician Assistants?

A physician assistant is capable of performing a lot of tasks a medical doctor would perform, such as conducting patient examinations, diagnosing illnesses, and delivering treatments. They complete their work under physician supervision and their day-to-day responsibilities can include tasks like:

•   Obtaining and reviewing medical histories

•   Ordering diagnostic tests

•   Prescribing medications

•   Collaborating with healthcare teams.

A physician assistant can specialize in a specific healthcare field like primary care, emergency medicine, and psychiatry, which can affect their job responsibilities.

As mentioned above, these individuals typically have a master’s degree; this is usually a requirement for licensing. However, you don’t need to go to and pay for medical school.

Job opportunities are likely to be plentiful. The projected growth over 2022 to 2032 is 27%, which is very well above the single-digit average for most professions.


💡 Quick Tip: We love a good spreadsheet, but not everyone feels the same. An online budget planner can give you the same insight into your budgeting and spending at a glance, without the extra effort.

How Much Do Starting Physician Assistants Make a Year?

Like any career, it takes time to earn a high salary when working as a physician assistant. When a physician assistant is entry-level, their salary may compare with the lowest 10% of earners in this role, who make $83,820 or less, but there is a lot of room for improvement here.

The highest 10% of earners make more than $168,120. In other words, it is indeed possible to earn $100,000 a year.

What is the Average Salary for a Physician Assistant?

The answer to the question—how much money does a physician assistant make—can vary depending on where a physician assistant works. Some jobs will pay more due to location. The following table illustrates the average salary for this role in each state and a quick glance makes it clear there is a lot of variance in pay by state. For example, a physician assistant in New York makes $44,095 more on average than someone in this role in Florida, which is quite a gap.

Below, this table shares how much a physician assistant job pays both by state and by different rates, including hourly pay, from highest to lowest.

Recommended: Best Jobs for Extroverts That Pay Well

What Is the Average Physician Assistant Salary by State for 2023

Source: Ziprecruiter

Physician Assistant Job Considerations for Pay & Benefits

It’s very common to work full-time as a physician assistant, which typically means that in addition to competitive pay, these professionals gain access to employer-sponsored benefits.

These may include:

•   Health insurance

•   Retirement plans

•   Paid sick days

•   Paid vacation

The tradeoff for a great compensation package can be having to work long hours or be on call. In addition, you may be exposed to medical emergencies, which can be stressful, and germs.

In addition, a career as a physician assistant requires much interaction with patients and the other members of the medical team. For this reason, it may not be a top choice as a job for antisocial people.


💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

Pros and Cons of Physician Assistant Salary

The main advantage of a physician assistant salary is that it is well over the national average for all jobs, which is currently $59,384. As you see, a physician assistant can possibly make twice that amount.

This high take-home pay may make it easier to create and stick to a monthly budget.

The only real downside of this salary is that to earn it, a master’s degree is necessary which can lead to student loan debt.

Recommended: How to Calculate Your Net Worth

The Takeaway

Building a career as a physician assistant can lead to making a high salary of $125,000-plus on average, or more than $168,120 for the top 10% of earners in this role. Many find this career path preferable to becoming a doctor as it requires spending a lot less time in school and the degree requirements come with a much lower sticker price. It’s also a fulfilling role for those who enjoy helping others.

SoFi helps you stay on top of your finances.

FAQ

Can you make 100k a year as a physician assistant?

It is very possible to earn $100,000 a year or more as a physician assistant. The median annual salary for this job is $126,010, and only the bottom 10% of earners in this specific role make less than $83,820.

Do people like being a physician assistant?

Those who are passionate about the medical field and who enjoy working with people tend to get a lot of job satisfaction from working as a physician assistant. However, an introvert may dislike how social this job requires them to be.

Is it hard to get hired as a physician assistant?

The good news for prospective physician assistants is that there are plenty of job openings to be found in this field, with a rapid growth of 27% from 2022 to 2032, and there is an average projection of approximately 12,200 job openings annually.

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

SORL0124031

The median pay for professional photographers is $40,170 per year, according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That said, there is a broad range of earning possible, depending on what kind of photographer a person is and where they live.

Photography may become a more in-demand skill in the future, given what a visual culture exists today. Over the next decade, it’s anticipated that photographers will see job demand increase by 5% between 2022 and 2032, which is greater than the average for all professions.

Read on to learn more about the salary and other facets of a career as a photographer.

What Are Photographers?

A photographer combines technical expertise with creativity and composition skills to produce photographic images. Photographers can get paid to take wedding, family, or pet portraits; cover news events; work for businesses and brands shooting products; or create art — among many other types of photography work.

Many photographers are also skilled in editing photos. If a photographer works for themselves, they can also be responsible for running their business and everything that entails, from advertising to accounting to operations. There are so many directions a photographer’s career can take. Some photographers also teach the art of photography, help plan creative direction for photo shoots, or use drone technology to capture shots from the sky.


💡 Quick Tip: Online tools make tracking your spending a breeze: You can easily set up budgets, then get instant updates on your progress, spot upcoming bills, analyze your spending habits, and more.

How Much Do Starting Photographers Make a Year?

When they are earning an entry-level salary, how much money a photographer makes is typically on the low end of the spectrum. Their earnings will likely grow as they gain skills and experience and make connections in the industry.

The lowest 10% of photographers earn less than $12.98 per hourly pay. That may be a good starting point if you are wondering about starting salaries.

Keep in mind that photographers in different locations and areas of focus will make an array of salaries. For instance, someone who takes baby portraits for new parents in a small town will likely never earn as much as a high-fashion photographer in a major city who is being paid by corporate clients. The latter could make $100,000 a year or considerably more.

Recommended: What Trade Makes the Most Money?

What is the Average Salary for a Photographer?

The average salary for a photographer can depend a lot, as already noted, on where someone lives. While the median annual income for this role is $40,170, the following table illustrates how the state a photographer chooses to work in can impact their potential earnings and determine if it’s a high-paying job.

What is the Average Photographer Salary by State for 2023

💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

Photographer Job Considerations for Pay & Benefits

While photographers can often choose to set their own rates, they are also usually self-employed and therefore responsible for securing their own benefits. For instance, they won’t have access to an employer-sponsored 401(k) plan or healthcare benefits. There are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if a photographer works for a large corporation or photo studio, they may receive access to traditional employee benefits like paid time off and a retirement plan contribution match.

Other considerations can be how a career as a photographer can impact your lifestyle. If you are a news photographer, you may find that you have to be available for extended periods, whenever a situation comes up that needs documenting. If you are a travel photographer, which can sound like a dream job, you likely won’t have a typical week-to-week schedule. And if you are a wedding photographer, you will likely be spending many weekends shooting ceremonies vs. kicking back with your family.

There are some photography jobs, such as taking pictures of a product, that may not involve that much social interaction, but many kinds of photography careers do involve working with people non-stop. For this reason, it may not be the best job for antisocial people.

Pros and Cons of Photographer Salary

The main advantage of a photographer’s salary is there is no real cap on how much they earn. For example, in-demand wedding photographers or photographers who license their images for products can all demand high rates for their work. On the flip side, their salaries are often not consistent, which can be very stressful. Also, when you are self-employed, taxes can take a bite out of your earnings.

Recommended: What Is Competitive Pay?

The Takeaway

Working as a professional photographer can be a creatively fulfilling, fun, and lucrative career. Worth considering, though: How much a photographer stands to make depends a lot on their specialty, where they live, and their level of experience.

See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.

FAQ

Can you make 100k a year as a Photographer?

It is possible to earn $100,000 or more a year as a photographer — the sky really is the limit when it comes to income potential in this field. However, the median annual income for this role is $40,170, but photographers can earn more over time as they gain experience and a strong reputation in their industry.

Do people like being a photographer?

Many people who pursue a career in photography do so because it is a creative pursuit they are truly passionate about. Many positions can provide flexibility and fun experiences (say, if you are a travel or wedding photographer).

Is it hard to get hired as a photographer?

It can be very hard to find a job as a photographer if you don’t have the skill set required to get the job done well. Taking some time to build a strong portfolio of your work and then marketing your business can make it much easier to get hired.

Photo credit: iStock/ivan101

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

SORL0124030