Photographer Salary in Madison, WI — 2026 Guide
Estimated salaries are adjusted for Madison's cost of living (index: 102). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.
Photographer Salary in Madison — Key Numbers
Cost of Living in Madison
Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× is expensive by traditional guidelines.
Job Market in Madison
Madison has a metro population of 680,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 2.4% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.
Financial Calculators for Madison
Other Professions in Madison
Photographer Salary — Other Wisconsin Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Photographer make in Madison, WI?
The estimated median salary for a Photographer in Madison is $43,625 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $42,770 adjusted by Madison's cost of living index (102). The typical salary range runs from $31,079 (25th percentile) to $64,209 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $94,381.
Is Madison affordable for a Photographer?
On a $43,625 annual salary, a Photographer in Madison would spend approximately 41.2% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,499/month). This exceeds the 35% cost-burden threshold. Many Photographers in Madison may find housing costs a significant financial pressure. The median home price of $380,000 is 8.7× the annual salary.
How does a Photographer's salary compare to Madison's overall income?
Madison's median household income is $74,200. A Photographer earning the city-adjusted median of $43,625 earns 41.2% less than the typical Madison household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Madison has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.
Explore More Salary Data
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.