Arts, design, media & sports · SOC 27-4021
Photographers
BLS projects 145,000 jobs in 2025 to become 144,000 by 2035 — -0.7%, against +3.5% across all occupations.
-0.7%
projected change to 2035
About 1,000 fewer jobs
10,700
openings a year
7.4% of the occupation a year, counting people who retire or move on
$44,660
median annual pay
Usually entered with: high school diploma or equivalent
2025 to 2035
Employment at the start and end of the projection, in jobs.
- 2025 employment145,000
- 2035 projected144,000
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025–2035 projections.
Other arts, design, media & sports occupations
The largest occupations in the same group, by projected change to 2035.
- Public relations specialists314,500+1.8%
- Coaches and scouts298,800+6.1%
- Graphic designers253,100-1.7%
- Producers and directors181,000+4.0%
- Musicians and singers170,400+0.3%
- Merchandise displayers and window trimmers164,800+2.7%
- Writers and authors140,300-0.3%
- Art directors140,200+4.2%
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.