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Photographer Salary in Montgomery, AL β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Montgomery's cost of living (index: 82). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Photographer Salary in Montgomery β€” Key Numbers

$35,071
Median Salary
$24,985
25th Percentile
$51,619
75th Percentile
$75,875
90th Percentile
National median (Photographer)$42,770
vs. National median-18.0%
Montgomery median household income$48,600
vs. City household income-27.8%

Cost of Living in Montgomery

Cost of Living Index
82(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$850/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio29.1%
Annual rent cost$10,200
Median Home Price$175,000
Home Price / Salary5.0Γ—
20% Down Payment$35,000
Years to save (20% rate)5.0 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 Montgomery

4.6%
Unemployment Rate
380,000
Metro Population
23 min
Avg Commute
34.5
Median Age

Montgomery has a metro population of 380,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 4.6% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Photographer Salary β€” Other Alabama Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Photographer make in Montgomery, AL?

The estimated median salary for a Photographer in Montgomery is $35,071 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $42,770 adjusted by Montgomery's cost of living index (82). The typical salary range runs from $24,985 (25th percentile) to $51,619 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $75,875.

Is Montgomery affordable for a Photographer?

On a $35,071 annual salary, a Photographer in Montgomery would spend approximately 29.1% of gross monthly income on median rent ($850/month). This is approaching the 30–35% cost-burden threshold; careful budgeting is recommended. The median home price of $175,000 is 5.0Γ— the annual salary.

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

Montgomery's median household income is $48,600. A Photographer earning the city-adjusted median of $35,071 earns 27.8% less than the typical Montgomery household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Montgomery 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.