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How Much Do Real Estate Photographer Make?

How much do real estate photographer make? Discover the average salary, base salary, and compensation for real estate photographer in the real estate category. Learn about real estate photographer pay per hour, per week, per month, and per annum with detailed salary ranges from $40,000 to $60,000.

Base Salary (avg)
$65,000
Per Hour
$31/hr
Avg Bonus
$5,000
Job Outlook
14.32%
Experience
3 yrs

How Much Do Real Estate Photographer Make? Complete Salary Guide

How much do real estate photographer make? This is one of the most common questions in career planning. Real Estate Photographer in the Real Estate field can expect to earn an average salary of $65,000 per year, with entry-level positions starting at $40,000 and experienced professionals earning up to $60,000 annually.

When breaking down the average salary of real estate photographer by time periods, real estate photographer typically make around $5,416.667 per month and approximately $1,250 per week. The basic salary of real estate photographer varies significantly based on experience level, location, and industry specialization. Entry-level real estate photographer typically start with a base salary of $40,000, while mid-career professionals earn an average of $60,000, and senior-level roles can command salaries exceeding $60,000.

The salary landscape for real estate photographer is influenced by several key factors including geographic location, years of experience, educational background, and specific industry demands. How much do real estate photographer make in a week? On average, this translates to approximately $1,250 per week. How much do real estate photographer make per annum? The annual salary range spans from $30,000 to $80,000, with the median salary sitting at $65,000. Additionally, many real estate photographer receive bonuses averaging $5,000 annually, representing approximately 10.25% of their base salary.

How Much Do Real Estate Photographer Get Paid Per Annum? Real Estate Photographer Salary

Annual salary data for real estate photographer across different experience levels, showing entry-level, mid-career, and experienced professional compensation ranges based on industry standards.

Entry Level Annual Salary

$40,000
Range: $30,000 - $45,000

Mid-Career Annual Salary

$60,000
Range: $50,000 - $65,000

Experienced Annual Salary

$60,000
Range: $50,000 - $80,000

How Much Do Real Estate Photographer Get Paid in a Month? Real Estate Photographer Monthly Salary

Monthly salary breakdowns for real estate photographer at different career stages, providing practical budgeting insights and compensation expectations for financial planning.

Entry Level Monthly Salary

$3,333
per month

Mid-Career Monthly Salary

$5,000
per month

Experienced Monthly Salary

$5,000
per month

How Much Do Real Estate Photographer Get Paid in Different Locations?

Geographic salary variations for real estate photographer across different cities and regions, including cost of living adjustments and regional market demand factors that impact compensation.

Austin
$70,000
Range: $45,000 - $95,000
Remote
$75,000
Range: $50,000 - $100,000
Seattle
$80,000
Range: $50,000 - $110,000
New York
$90,000
Range: $60,000 - $120,000
San Francisco
$85,000
Range: $55,000 - $115,000

Real Estate Photographer Salary Trends

Historical salary progression for real estate photographer over the past years, showing year-over-year compensation growth and market trends in the industry.

Real Estate Photographer Salary Trends (2020 - 2025)

Bonus & Compensation Package

Additional compensation beyond base salary, including bonuses, commissions, and overtime opportunities that contribute to total annual earnings.

Bonus Percentage

10.25%

of annual salary

Bonuses for real estate photographers are often awarded based on sales performance, client referrals, project completion speed, or exceptional quality.

Average Bonus

$5,000

annually

Commission

Real Estate Photographers often have commission or incentive opportunities based on sales, referrals, or package upgrades, enhancing their earning potential alongside standard fees.

Overtime

Overtime pay for real estate photographers is uncommon, as many work on a freelance basis, charging per project rather than hourly with overtime considerations.

Employee Benefits Package

Comprehensive benefits and perks provided to employees, including health coverage, retirement plans, time off policies, and professional development opportunities.

Comprehensive Benefits

Typical benefits for a real estate photographer include health insurance, retirement plans like a 401(k), paid time off (PTO), flexible scheduling, equipment reimbursement, and continuing education opportunities.

Health Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plans
Development

Real Estate Photographer Job Overview

Comprehensive details about the real estate photographer role including daily responsibilities, work environment, physical demands, and key tasks that define this career path.

About This Role

A Real Estate Photographer captures stunning images of properties to showcase their best features, attracting potential buyers. They utilize expert lighting, composition, and editing techniques to create visually appealing listings. Their work enhances marketing efforts, elevates property appeal, and ultimately drives sales in the competitive real estate market.

Primary Responsibilities

Capturing high-quality images of properties, Editing and retouching photos, Understanding lighting and composition techniques, Communicating with clients to understand their needs, Preparing properties for photography (staging), Utilizing equipment such as cameras and drones, Delivering images in a timely manner, Maintaining a portfolio of work, Staying updated on real estate market trends, Collaborating with real estate agents and agencies.

Day-to-Day Tasks

A Real Estate Photographer typically starts the day by scouting locations, capturing high-quality images of properties, editing photos for optimal presentation, and communicating with clients to meet their specific needs.

Work Environment

Field

Real Estate Photographers work on-site at properties, using cameras and lighting equipment in varied environments, often under tight deadlines.

Physical Demands

Moderate

Real Estate Photographers need to navigate various properties, often requiring physical stamina, flexibility for different angles, and the ability to work in diverse weather conditions.

Real Estate Photographer Requirements & Prerequisites

Essential qualifications and credentials needed to pursue a career as a real estate photographer, including educational background, certifications, and experience requirements.

Education

High School.

Field: Photography, Real Estate, Business Administration, Marketing, Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Architecture, Interior Design, Communications.

Experience

3 years

Employers seek Real Estate Photographers with a strong portfolio, technical photography skills, knowledge of lighting and composition, attention to detail, and experience in real estate marketing to capture properties effectively.

Certifications

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, Real Estate Photography Certification, National Association of Realtors (NAR) Membership, State Real Estate License (if applicable), Professional Photographers of America (PPA) Certification, Adobe Certified Expert (ACE), Drone Pilot License (if using drones), Business License.

Required Skills

Photography skills, knowledge of real estate markets, attention to detail, proficiency in photo editing software, strong communication skills, time management, understanding of lighting techniques, creativity.

Technical Skills

PhotographyPhoto EditingLighting TechniquesReal Estate MarketingDrone OperationVirtual Tour CreationCustomer Service

Soft Skills

CommunicationAttention to DetailCreativityTime ManagementProblem-SolvingCustomer ServiceAdaptability

Real Estate Photographer Career Path

Professional progression opportunities for real estate photographer from entry-level to senior management, including typical career advancement timeline and role evolution.

Entry Level

Positions:

Real Estate Assistant, Photography Intern, Marketing Coordinator

Early-career Real Estate Photographers capture high-quality images of properties, showcasing their features to attract buyers, enhance listings, and support agents in marketing efforts.

Mid-Career

Positions:

Real Estate Assistant, Marketing Coordinator, Photography Assistant

Mid-career Real Estate Photographers capture high-quality images of properties, collaborate with agents, edit photos, manage client relationships, and stay updated on industry trends and techniques.

Senior Management

Positions:

Lead Real Estate Photographer, Director of Photography, Senior Visual Marketing Strategist

Senior Real Estate Photographers oversee project management, client relations, team leadership, quality control, marketing strategies, and ensure high standards in visual presentations for property listings.

Career Progression Timeline

Timeline: 5 years

Real Estate Photographers often start as assistants, progressing to lead photographers and eventually specializing in high-end properties or expanding into related fields like videography and marketing. Networking and building a strong portfolio are key for advancement.

Real Estate Photographer Industry & Growth

Market outlook and growth prospects for real estate photographer, including industry trends, job market demand, and factors influencing career opportunities and advancement.

Job Outlook

14.32% Growth

Faster than average

Projected: 2024–2034

Industry Trends

Increased demand for virtual tours and 3D imaging, the rise of drone photography for aerial shots, growing emphasis on social media marketing and video content.

Growth Factors

Increased online property listings, social media marketing, high-quality visuals attracting buyers, virtual tours demand, and competitive real estate markets drive demand for photographers.

Future Opportunities

Virtual staging, drone photography, 360-degree tours, augmented reality apps, and AI-driven image enhancement are emerging niches creating new opportunities for real estate photographers.

Real Estate Photographer Related Professions

Alternative career paths and similar roles for real estate photographer, including career transitions, related positions, and advancement opportunities within the field.

Similar Roles

Real Estate VideographerProperty StagerInterior DesignerReal Estate AgentMarketing Specialist

Career Alternatives

VideographerReal Estate Marketing SpecialistProperty StylistDrone Operator

Upgrade Paths

Real Estate Marketing SpecialistCreative DirectorPhotography Business Owner

Related Entry Roles

AssistantEditorMarketing Specialist

Real Estate Photographer Skills & Development

Essential skills and professional development resources for real estate photographer, including technical abilities, soft skills, recommended courses, and ongoing learning opportunities.

Technical Skills

PhotographyPhoto EditingLighting TechniquesReal Estate MarketingDrone OperationVirtual ToursImage RetouchingClient Communication

Soft Skills Needed

CommunicationAttention to DetailTime ManagementCreativityInterpersonal Skills

Recommended Certifications

Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)Real Estate Photography CertificationDrone Pilot Certificate

Recommended Courses

Real Estate Photography: A Complete GuidePhotography for Real EstateReal Estate Marketing and Photography Essentials

Development Resources

UdemySkillsharePhotography LifePetaPixel

Training Timeline

6months

Estimated training time

Frequently Asked Questions About Real Estate Photographer Salary

Common questions and answers about pursuing a career as a real estate photographer, covering qualifications, salary expectations, career prospects, and practical career guidance.

What qualifications are needed to become a real estate photographer?

Typically, a strong portfolio, photography skills, and knowledge of real estate marketing are essential.

How do I get paid as a real estate photographer?

Payment can be per project or hourly, often invoiced after the work is completed.

What is the average salary of a real estate photographer?

Salaries vary widely but generally range from $30,000 to $70,000 annually based on experience and location.

Is formal education required for a career in real estate photography?

While not mandatory, degrees in photography or related fields can enhance skills and job prospects.

What skills are important for success as a real estate photographer?

Key skills include technical photography knowledge, editing proficiency, and an understanding of lighting and composition.

How Much Others Make?

Explore salary data for other professions to compare compensation across different career paths and industries.

Important Disclaimer

Salary information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on location, experience, education, industry, company size, and other factors. We strive to provide accurate data, but cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of all information. Please verify with official sources before making career decisions.