Today, more than 50,000 Americans work as photographers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that this number will rise by 3% in the next decade, as photographers working in industries ranging from fashion and fine arts to portrait and school photography find enhanced employment opportunities. Whether you see yourself snapping photos in the field or editing images to look their best, there will be plenty of jobs available.From a distance, it may seem like photographers lead endlessly fascinating lives, jetting across the country to photograph a wedding or around the world to capture a global event. While they do enjoy flexible hours and sometimes venture to exotic destinations for work, successful photographers are dedicated professionals with a strong work ethic.A keen eye for composing pictures, no matter the subject, is crucial, as is the ability to make clients and subjects feel safe and comfortable. Traveling photographers must be able to function at the top of their game while battling jet lag, while wedding photographers need to cope with the pressure of capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments. If you think you're fit for the challenge, read on to learn more about how an online photography degree can help advance your career.
Online Photography Degree Overview
| Degree Level | Average Cost | Loan Default Rate | Time Commitment | Early Career Pay | Mid-Career Pay | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | $17,555 | 23.33% | 2 years | Not reported | $43,714 | 9.1% |
| Bachelor's | $22,564 | 14.49% | 4 years | $37,000 | $37,000 | 7.8% |
| Master's | $36,949 | 9.88% | 2 years | Not reported | $49,000 | Not reported |
Like many other jobs within creative fields, photographers are chosen far more often based on previous experience and their portfolio than their educational background. Still, photographers from all backgrounds could benefit from formal training, and certain online photography degrees and online photography courses can help you hone and expand your skills. Although an online degree may sound like a strange fit for this industry, a number of comprehensive, well-respected programs are now available.As discussed previously, a photography degree isn't an absolute requirement in the field; as such, higher levels of degrees don't necessarily equate to better salaries. As the table above shows, associate degrees produce higher salaries than a bachelor's degree in some cases. Master's degree-holders do earn slightly higher salaries in the aggregate, possibly due to the fact that many eventually move into directorial or academic roles, jobs that typically pay better than freelance work.
Online Photography Degrees
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| Career | Median Salary | Projected Growth | 2014 Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photographers | $31,710 | 3% | 124900 |
| Photo Editors | $45,069 | 3% | 58900 |
Online Photography Professional Requirements
Certified Professional Photographer
The Professional Photographers of America provide a Certified Professional Photographer program for anyone seeking recognition for excellence within the industry. While there are no online photography courses required, students can elect to take a three-day intensive review class before the exam. Candidates should ensure they are fully up-to-date on all technical aspects of their craft, as this is the main focus of the test. Once certified, photographers can add the CPP designation after their name and on any of their marketing materials.