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Photographer Salary in Utica, NY β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Utica's cost of living (index: 80). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Photographer Salary in Utica β€” Key Numbers

$34,216
Median Salary
$24,376
25th Percentile
$50,360
75th Percentile
$74,024
90th Percentile
National median (Photographer)$42,770
vs. National median-20.0%
Utica median household income$44,600
vs. City household income-23.3%

Cost of Living in Utica

Cost of Living Index
80(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$850/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio29.8%
Annual rent cost$10,200
Median Home Price$135,000
Home Price / Salary3.9Γ—
20% Down Payment$27,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.9 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 Utica

5.0%
Unemployment Rate
145,000
Metro Population
21 min
Avg Commute
35.3
Median Age

Utica has a metro population of 145,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 5.0% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Photographer make in Utica, NY?

The estimated median salary for a Photographer in Utica is $34,216 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $42,770 adjusted by Utica's cost of living index (80). The typical salary range runs from $24,376 (25th percentile) to $50,360 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $74,024.

Is Utica affordable for a Photographer?

On a $34,216 annual salary, a Photographer in Utica would spend approximately 29.8% 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 $135,000 is 3.9Γ— the annual salary.

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

Utica's median household income is $44,600. A Photographer earning the city-adjusted median of $34,216 earns 23.3% less than the typical Utica household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Utica 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.