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Photographer Salary in Fayetteville, NC β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Fayetteville's cost of living (index: 84). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Photographer Salary in Fayetteville β€” Key Numbers

$35,927
Median Salary
$25,595
25th Percentile
$52,878
75th Percentile
$77,725
90th Percentile
National median (Photographer)$42,770
vs. National median-16.0%
Fayetteville median household income$49,800
vs. City household income-27.9%

Cost of Living in Fayetteville

Cost of Living Index
84(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$859/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio28.7%
Annual rent cost$10,308
Median Home Price$195,000
Home Price / Salary5.4Γ—
20% Down Payment$39,000
Years to save (20% rate)5.4 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Fayetteville

4.6%
Unemployment Rate
520,000
Metro Population
24 min
Avg Commute
30.2
Median Age

Fayetteville has a metro population of 520,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 4.6% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Photographer make in Fayetteville, NC?

The estimated median salary for a Photographer in Fayetteville is $35,927 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $42,770 adjusted by Fayetteville's cost of living index (84). The typical salary range runs from $25,595 (25th percentile) to $52,878 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $77,725.

Is Fayetteville affordable for a Photographer?

On a $35,927 annual salary, a Photographer in Fayetteville would spend approximately 28.7% of gross monthly income on median rent ($859/month). This is approaching the 30–35% cost-burden threshold; careful budgeting is recommended. The median home price of $195,000 is 5.4Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Photographer's salary compare to Fayetteville's overall income?

Fayetteville's median household income is $49,800. A Photographer earning the city-adjusted median of $35,927 earns 27.9% less than the typical Fayetteville household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Fayetteville has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.