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Photographer Salary in Providence, RI β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Providence's cost of living (index: 115). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Photographer Salary in Providence β€” Key Numbers

$49,185
Median Salary
$35,041
25th Percentile
$72,393
75th Percentile
$106,409
90th Percentile
National median (Photographer)$42,770
vs. National median+15.0%
Providence median household income$66,200
vs. City household income-25.7%

Cost of Living in Providence

Cost of Living Index
115(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,725/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio42.1%
Annual rent cost$20,700
Median Home Price$380,000
Home Price / Salary7.7Γ—
20% Down Payment$76,000
Years to save (20% rate)7.7 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 Providence

4.0%
Unemployment Rate
1,640,000
Metro Population
25 min
Avg Commute
37
Median Age

Providence has a metro population of 1,640,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 4.0% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Photographer make in Providence, RI?

The estimated median salary for a Photographer in Providence is $49,185 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $42,770 adjusted by Providence's cost of living index (115). The typical salary range runs from $35,041 (25th percentile) to $72,393 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $106,409.

Is Providence affordable for a Photographer?

On a $49,185 annual salary, a Photographer in Providence would spend approximately 42.1% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,725/month). This exceeds the 35% cost-burden threshold. Many Photographers in Providence may find housing costs a significant financial pressure. The median home price of $380,000 is 7.7Γ— the annual salary.

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

Providence's median household income is $66,200. A Photographer earning the city-adjusted median of $49,185 earns 25.7% less than the typical Providence household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Providence 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.