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Photographer Salary in Perth

Creative

Photographers capture images for commercial, editorial, and personal purposes.

Average Salary
$59,160
per year
Take-Home Pay
$49,441
after tax (no HECS)
Salary Range
$41-92k
$59K
$41K$92K

Job Market Outlook

Medium AI Risk

Mixed work with some tasks that AI can assist or automate

Competitive

More candidates than available positions

+2% growth

Stable employment outlook over 5 years

Sources: Microsoft Research 2025, Jobs and Skills Australia 2025 Occupation Shortage List

Photographer Take-Home Pay Breakdown in Perth

Based on the average Photographer salary of $59,160 in Perth, here's what you can expect to take home after tax, Medicare levy, and superannuation.

ComponentWithout HECSWith HECS
Gross Salary$59,160$59,160
Income Tax-$8,536-$8,536
Medicare Levy (2%)-$1,183-$1,183
HELP/HECS Repayment$0-$1,183
Superannuation (11%)+$6,508+$6,508
Annual Take-Home$49,441$48,258
Monthly Take-Home$4,120$4,021
Fortnightly Take-Home$1,902$1,856

Calculate Your Exact Take-Home Pay

Enter your actual salary to see a personalized breakdown including your specific tax situation, HECS debt, and family status.

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Your salary
$59,000
Take-home$49,441
Tax-$8,536
Super+$6,508

How to Become a Photographer

Everything you need to know about breaking into a career as a Photographer in Western Australia.

Qualifications Required

Essential Requirements
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating technical and creative skills
  • Proficiency with professional camera equipment
  • Image editing skills (Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop)
Preferred Qualifications
  • Diploma or degree in Photography
  • Specialization in a genre (wedding, commercial, editorial)
  • Business and marketing skills
Relevant Certifications
AIPP accreditationAdobe certificationsDrone pilot license (for aerial)

Career Progression

Salary Growth Trajectory
$35KEntry$59KMid$77KSenior$95KLead
Entry Level

Assistant / Junior Photographer

$35,496
estimated in Perth
0-3 years
Mid Level

Photographer

$59,160
estimated in Perth
3-7 years
Senior Level

Senior / Specialist Photographer

$76,908
estimated in Perth
7-12 years
Leadership

Studio Owner / Creative Director

$94,656
estimated in Perth
10+ years

Skills in Demand

Video and motion contentDrone photographyE-commerce product photographyReal estate photographySocial media content creation

Tips for Breaking In

  1. 1Build a niche specialty for higher rates
  2. 2Wedding photography can be very lucrative
  3. 3Commercial work typically pays better than editorial
  4. 4Develop video skills alongside photography
  5. 5Marketing and business skills are essential for success

Career information is general guidance based on industry standards. Requirements may vary by employer and location.

Related Creative Roles in Perth

Photographer Hourly Rate in Perth

Based on a standard 38-hour work week (Australian full-time hours):

Entry Level
$21/hr
Average
$30/hr
Senior
$46/hr

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Photographer earn in Perth?

The average Photographer salary in Perth is $59,160 per year, or approximately $30 per hour. Salaries range from $40,800 to $91,800 depending on experience.

What is the take-home pay for a Photographer in Perth?

A Photographer earning $59,160 in Perth takes home approximately $49,441 per year after tax, or $4,120 per month. With a HECS debt, take-home drops to $48,258 per year.

How much do Photographers make per hour in Perth?

Photographers in Perth earn approximately $30 per hour on average, based on a 38-hour work week. Entry-level rates start around $21/hour, while senior professionals can earn up to $46/hour.

Is Perth a good place to work as a Photographer?

Perth offers Photographer salaries around average in Australia at $59,160. The city has a cost of living index of 90 (Sydney = 100), meaning living costs are lower than Sydney.

About Photographer Salaries in Perth

The average Photographer in Perth, Western Australia earns $59,160 per year, or approximately $30 per hour. Salaries typically range from $40,800 for entry-level positions to $91,800 for senior roles with extensive experience.

After income tax, Medicare levy, and other deductions, a Photographer earning the average salary in Perth can expect to take home approximately $49,441 per year, or $4,120 per month.

Perth is home to approximately 2.1 million people and has a cost of living index of 90 (where Sydney = 100). This means living costs in Perth are lower Sydney.

Key Factors Affecting Photographer Salaries

  • Experience Level: Entry-level positions start around $40,800, while senior roles can reach $91,800.
  • Industry: Different industries offer varying compensation for Photographer roles.
  • Company Size: Larger companies typically offer higher salaries and more benefits.
  • Location: Perth's cost of living influences salary expectations.
  • Hourly Rate: Based on a 38-hour week, Photographers earn $$21-$46 per hour.

Salary data is based on industry reports, job postings, and government statistics. Individual salaries may vary based on experience, qualifications, and employer. Tax calculations are estimates for the 2024-25 financial year.