Photography Major — Salary & ROI 2026
Capture and processing of images for artistic, commercial, and documentary purposes.
Starting Salary
$35K
median
Mid-Career
$52K
salary
ROI Payback
8.5 yrs
avg payback
Unemployment
5.5%
rate
Photography Overview
Capture and processing of images for artistic, commercial, and documentary purposes.
Category
Arts & Design
Degree Level
Bachelor's
Graduation Rate
55%
Enrollment Trend
declining
Online Available
Yes
Underemployment
42%
Lifetime Premium
$120K
Female Graduates
58%
Photography Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your actual return on investment based on school type and scholarships.
0 to $40K/year in aid
Est. Total Cost
$17,100
4-year tuition
Net Cost (w/ aid)
$17,100
after scholarships
ROI Payback
N/A
to break even
Lifetime Return
$102,900
Lifetime earnings premium ($120,000) minus net degree cost ($17,100)
Photography Salary Progression
Common Photography Careers
Photographer
Photo Editor
Photojournalist
Studio Manager
Top Employers
Skills You'll Learn
Top Schools for Photography
#1
RISD
#2
SVA
#3
RIT
#4
Brooks Institute
#5
Parsons
Related Majors
Photography Degree FAQ
Compare All College Majors
Analyze ROI, salary potential, and career outcomes for 121+ college majors.