How long does it take to become a photographer?

Typically no schooling after high school, then a few months to a year of training on the job. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.

How much do photographers make?

The US median is $44,660 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.

Do you need a degree to become a photographer?

No. Most people are hired and trained on the job; a program is optional.

Where can you train to become a photographer?

1,104 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

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How to become a photographer

Arts, design, media & film · SOC 27-4021

$44,660US median pay, 2025

-0.7%Projected growth, 2025–35

10,700Openings per year

On the jobUsual way in

How you get in

Most people are hired and trained on the job, so school is optional. A program can still help you stand out.

High school diploma or equivalent (a program is optional for this job)
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Work as a photographer

Programs that lead to this job

These are the federal program codes (CIP) that the Department of Education maps to this occupation, and how many US colleges, community colleges or trade schools report awarding credentials in each.

Program	Code	Schools
Art/Art Studies, General	CIP 50.0701	725
Visual and Performing Arts, General	CIP 50.0101	270
Photography	CIP 50.0605	191
Digital Arts	CIP 50.0102	156
Commercial Photography	CIP 50.0406	64
Photojournalism	CIP 09.0404	11

See the 1,104 schools that offer these programs →

Common questions

How long does it take to become a photographer?: Typically no schooling after high school, then a few months to a year of training on the job. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.
How much do photographers make?: The US median is $44,660 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.
Do you need a degree to become a photographer?: No. Most people are hired and trained on the job; a program is optional.
Where can you train to become a photographer?: 1,104 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

Pay and growth are national figures. What you earn depends on where you work, your employer and your experience, and these are projections rather than promises. Education requirements describe how most people enter the job, not a rule — plenty of people take another route.

Pay, growth, openings and entry requirements: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35. Program-to-occupation mapping: NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk (2020/2018). School counts: IPEDS completions, 2022–23.

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