The Average Salary of an Aerial Photographer

Aerial photographers take pictures of locations, structures and geographical features from aircraft.

Aerial photographers are professionals who photograph structures, geographical areas and other images from the air. Their work requires the ability to capture images quickly from a moving aircraft such as an airplane or helicopter.

Average Salary

CBsalary listed a national average salary of $33,236 per year in September 2010 for this occupation. Salaries ranged between $27,460 and $46,050 per year overall.

Job Types

Although some aerial photographers are hired by organizations as employees, most are self-employed and charge rates based on costs to provide aerial images. Pricing includes fuel, piloting and travel to the area where the photographs are taken. An hourly rate may also be applied if images require longer flight times.

Geography

In May 2009, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the highest concentration of photographers, including aerial photographers, in Hawaii, making an average median wage of $28,980 per year. The District of Columbia paid the highest wages, with an average median salary of $55,820 per year.

References

• CBsalary: Aerial Photographer Salary
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Photographers

Resources

• Professional Aerial Photographers Association