Photographers Salary in Wisconsin

Photographers in Wisconsin earn the most in La Crosse (average $54,150 a year) and the least in Madison ($48,170), across the 4 Wisconsin metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the photographers average at $49,640 and the median at $42,060 for 850 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $55,410.

Photographers average salary by city in Wisconsin

La Crosse$54,150
Milwaukee$52,000
Green Bay$49,450
Madison$48,170

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
La Crosse	$54,150	$47,300	$37,490	$43,908	92
Milwaukee	$52,000	$44,940	$37,110	$42,287	97
Green Bay	$49,450	$38,080	$37,760	$40,363	93
Madison	$48,170	$43,040	$37,380	$39,398	97

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Photographers salary in other states

Photographers salary by city and state

More about pay in Wisconsin

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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