Photographer in California

Professional photographers capture portraits, events, products, and news — turning visual storytelling into a career. The path to professional photography is portfolio-driven, not degree-driven, and entrepreneurs who specialize in weddings, commercial work, or real estate photography can build highly profitable businesses.

$41,375 CA Median Salary
4% Growth Rate
3 months–4 years Training

💰 Photographer Salary in California

Estimated salary range for Photographers in California, based on BLS national data adjusted for regional cost of living.

Entry
$25,000
Median
$41,375
Experienced
$90,000

🎓 Photographer Licensing in California

Credential required: Portfolio-based; PPA Certification (Professional Photographers of America)

Requirements may vary slightly by state. Always verify current licensing requirements with the California state licensing board before enrolling.

Schools and programs related to Photographer in California

These listings are shown as related training options for Photographer in California. Before enrolling, compare program length, total cost, credential outcomes, and how well each option matches local employer demand.

Federal dataset match

College of the Canyons

📍 Santa Clarita, CA

Certificate 2-4yr

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Los Angeles Valley College

📍 Valley Glen, CA

Certificate 2-4yr

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San Francisco Film School

📍 San Francisco, CA

Certificate 1-<2yr

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Cerritos College

📍 Norwalk, CA

Certificate 2-4yr

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Santa Rosa Junior College

📍 Santa Rosa, CA

Certificate 2-4yr

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City College of San Francisco

📍 San Francisco, CA

Certificate 2-4yr

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Chaffey College

📍 Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Award

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Cosumnes River College

📍 Sacramento, CA

Certificate 2-4yr

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Palomar College

📍 San Marcos, CA

Certificate 2-4yr

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Berkeley City College

📍 Berkeley, CA

Award

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Orange Coast College

📍 Costa Mesa, CA

Certificate 2-4yr

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San Diego City College

📍 San Diego, CA

Certificate 2-4yr

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Sierra College

📍 Rocklin, CA

Certificate 2-4yr

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Southwestern College

📍 Chula Vista, CA

Certificate 2-4yr

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Victor Valley College

📍 Victorville, CA

Award

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Citrus College

📍 Glendora, CA

Certificate 2-4yr

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Santa Barbara City College

📍 Santa Barbara, CA

Certificate 2-4yr

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American River College

📍 Sacramento, CA

Certificate 2-4yr

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Cabrillo College

📍 Aptos, CA

Certificate 2-4yr

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De Anza College

📍 Cupertino, CA

Certificate 2-4yr

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Gavilan College

📍 Gilroy, CA

Certificate 2-4yr

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Chabot College

📍 Hayward, CA

Certificate 2-4yr

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Grossmont College

📍 El Cajon, CA

Certificate 2-4yr

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Long Beach City College

📍 Long Beach, CA

Certificate 2-4yr

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Merced College

📍 Merced, CA

Certificate 2-4yr

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Sacramento City College

📍 Sacramento, CA

Certificate 2-4yr

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Ventura College

📍 Ventura, CA

Certificate 1-<2yr

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Butte College

📍 Oroville, CA

Award

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Los Angeles City College

📍 Los Angeles, CA

Certificate 1-<2yr

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College of the Desert

📍 Palm Desert, CA

Certificate 2-4yr

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Diablo Valley College

📍 Pleasant Hill, CA

Award

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Porterville College

📍 Porterville, CA

Award

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Saddleback College

📍 Mission Viejo, CA

Certificate 2-4yr

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College of San Mateo

📍 San Mateo, CA

Certificate 2-4yr

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Hartnell College

📍 Salinas, CA

Certificate 2-4yr

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Napa Valley College

📍 Napa, CA

Certificate 2-4yr

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San Bernardino Valley College

📍 San Bernardino, CA

Certificate 2-4yr

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Las Positas College

📍 Livermore, CA

Certificate 2-4yr

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Allan Hancock College

📍 Santa Maria, CA

Certificate 2-4yr

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Columbia College

📍 Sonora, CA

Certificate 2-4yr

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Irvine Valley College

📍 Irvine, CA

Certificate 2-4yr

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Monterey Peninsula College

📍 Monterey, CA

Certificate 2-4yr

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Moorpark College

📍 Moorpark, CA

Certificate 2-4yr

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West Valley College

📍 Saratoga, CA

Certificate 2-4yr

How to compare these options

  • Look for programs that align with the most common hiring path for Photographer in California.
  • Ask whether graduates are prepared for any required credential, license, or employer screening step.
  • Compare cost, completion time, and schedule before making a final decision.

🗺️ This Career in Other States

Compare pay, training time, school questions, and next steps before spending money on a program.

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