Photographer salary in South Africa

Average Yearly Salary of Photographer in South Africa is approximately 94,796 ZAR (4,759 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Photographer do?

A photographer is a professional who captures images using a camera, creating visual representations of various subjects, events, or landscapes. They possess technical skills in operating different types of cameras and equipment, along with knowledge of composition, lighting, and editing techniques. Photographers work in various fields, such as portrait photography, fashion photography, documentary photography, wildlife photography, and more. They may specialize in specific areas or work as generalists, depending on their interests and expertise. Photographers are responsible for planning, organizing, and executing photoshoots, which often involves interacting with clients, models, or subjects to ensure the desired outcome. They may work independently or as part of a team, collaborating with art directors, stylists, and other professionals to achieve a particular aesthetic or concept. Post-production work is also a crucial aspect of a photographer's job, involving editing and retouching images using software tools to enhance their quality.

Skills: photographer, photography, visual artist, camera operator, image editing, composition
Job industry: Arts and entertainment

How much does Photographer make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 3 %


Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here

Salary comparison to National average

Is Photographer a well paid job?

No, our data shows that Photographer is typically not a well-paid job. The salary varies based on experience. Meaning that even though Photographer might be a low paying job, with experience the salary might increase to satisfactory levels.

What is considered a high salary for Photographer?

High salary for Photographer would be somewhere between 104,276 ZAR and 137,454 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Photographer in South Africa?

Living in South Africa the approximate monthly expenses are: 271 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 94,796 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 7,900 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,823 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 46 ZAR per hour
By working as Photographer a person can save up to 125 USD per month or 1,505 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Photographer

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

0 years (beginner) equals base salary

1 to 5 years of experience yields +12% salary increase

6 to 10 years of experience yields +25% salary increase

11 to 15 years of experience yields +16% salary increase

16 to 25 years of experience yields +9% salary increase

more than 25 years of experience yields +10% salary increase

NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

Top 10 highest salaries in South Africa

Data as of 2025

Random salary:
Glass technician (69,557 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Executive director human resources (hr) (288,196 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Plastic surgeon (892,490 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Erp analyst ii (139,097 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Director strategic sourcing (319,935 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)

Feedback about these results