Sports Photographers

The earning potential for any photographer varies depending on the sports event and the publishing or media company. Typically, the more important the sporting event is, the higher the pay for sports photographers. Photographers shooting a college football game will earn less than those hired to shoot the Super Bowl.

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that photographers in general earned a median salary of $42,520 in May 2024. The lowest paid 10 percent earned $29,610 or less, while the highest paid 10 percent earned $94,760 or more. During the same year, photographers working for publishing, broadcasting, and content providers earned an average of $59,500 annually.

Salaried sports photographers usually receive benefits such as vacation days, sick leave, health and life insurance, and a savings and pension program. Self-employed photographers must provide their own benefits.