Photographers Salary in Kentucky

Photographers in Kentucky earn the most in Lexington (average $52,940 a year) and the least in Bowling Green ($43,080), across the 3 Kentucky metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the photographers average at $49,990 and the median at $47,170 for 380 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $55,410.

Photographers average salary by city in Kentucky

Lexington$52,940
Louisville$52,880
Bowling Green$43,080

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Lexington	$52,940	$47,170	$35,780	$41,526	93
Louisville	$52,880	$50,000	$34,200	$41,773	93
Bowling Green	$43,080	$42,540	$31,500	$34,543	90

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; includes Lexington's local income tax (2.75%). Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Photographers salary in other states

Photographers salary by city and state

More about pay in Kentucky

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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