Photographers Salary in Tennessee

Photographers in Tennessee earn the most in Nashville (average $51,170 a year) and the least in Chattanooga ($39,580), across the 4 Tennessee metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the photographers average at $44,060 and the median at $37,950 for 780 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $55,410.

Photographers average salary by city in Tennessee

Nashville$51,170
Memphis$45,170
Knoxville$43,280
Chattanooga$39,580

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Nashville	$51,170	$44,480	$37,960	$43,295	96
Memphis	$45,170	$38,510	$34,040	$38,474	92
Knoxville	$43,280	$36,240	$30,410	$36,955	93
Chattanooga	$39,580	$33,600	$30,040	$33,983	91

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; Tennessee has no state income tax. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Photographers salary in other states

Photographers salary by city and state

More about pay in Tennessee

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 27-4021.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

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