Photographers
SOC Code: 27-4021
Photographers carries a 34% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $42,520 and +1.8% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 151,200 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 34% AI exposure, Photographers sits 3 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 43% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Photographers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Photographers has ai exposure of 34%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Photographers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Photographers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Photographers (SOC 27-4021) carries an AI exposure score of 34%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 151,200 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +1.8% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $42,520, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Photographers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Adjust apertures, shutter speeds, and camera focus according to a combination of factors, such as lighting, field depth, subject motion, film type, and film speed.
- 2. Create artificial light, using flashes and reflectors.
- 3. Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects.
- 4. Transfer photographs to computers for editing, archiving, and electronic transmission.
- 5. Use traditional or digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment, such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments.
- 6. Manipulate and enhance scanned or digital images to create desired effects, using computers and specialized software.
- 7. Take pictures of individuals, families, and small groups, either in studio or on location.
- 8. Enhance, retouch, and resize photographs and negatives, using airbrushing and other techniques.
- 9. Test equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in good working order.
- 10. Estimate or measure light levels, distances, and numbers of exposures needed, using measuring devices and formulas.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Service Orientation
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Social Perceptiveness
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Sales and Marketing
- Computers and Electronics
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Communications and Media
- Fine Arts
- Production and Processing
- Administrative
- Psychology
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Photographers?
Photographers has an AI exposure score of 34%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Photographers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Photographers is projected to grow by 1.8% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 151,200 workers.
What skills are needed for Photographers?
Key skills for Photographers include Active Listening, Speaking, Service Orientation, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Photographers earn?
The median annual wage for Photographers is $42,520, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Photographers?
The typical entry-level education for Photographers is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Photographers?
Photographers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).