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Photographer Salary in Scranton, PA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Scranton's cost of living (index: 85). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Photographer Salary in Scranton β€” Key Numbers

$36,355
Median Salary
$25,900
25th Percentile
$53,508
75th Percentile
$78,651
90th Percentile
National median (Photographer)$42,770
vs. National median-15.0%
Scranton median household income$52,400
vs. City household income-30.6%

Cost of Living in Scranton

Cost of Living Index
85(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,000/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio33.0%
Annual rent cost$12,000
Median Home Price$155,000
Home Price / Salary4.3Γ—
20% Down Payment$31,000
Years to save (20% rate)4.3 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 Scranton

4.4%
Unemployment Rate
560,000
Metro Population
22 min
Avg Commute
40
Median Age

Scranton has a metro population of 560,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 4.4% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Photographer make in Scranton, PA?

The estimated median salary for a Photographer in Scranton is $36,355 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $42,770 adjusted by Scranton's cost of living index (85). The typical salary range runs from $25,900 (25th percentile) to $53,508 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $78,651.

Is Scranton affordable for a Photographer?

On a $36,355 annual salary, a Photographer in Scranton would spend approximately 33.0% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,000/month). This is approaching the 30–35% cost-burden threshold; careful budgeting is recommended. The median home price of $155,000 is 4.3Γ— the annual salary.

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

Scranton's median household income is $52,400. A Photographer earning the city-adjusted median of $36,355 earns 30.6% less than the typical Scranton household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Scranton 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.