Shigoto Zukan
日本語

Will AI replace photographers?AI replacement risk 45% and how the work is changing

United States Film & Video Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$44,660
25th–75th pct. $36,050–$62,740
Top pay (est.)
$119,400
Top 10% $91,810
Pay in 5 years
$51,300est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$58,900est.
$50,600–$68,400
Outlook score
45/100
★★☆☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
45%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
−0.7%
11K openings / yr

Will AI replace Photographers? AI replacement risk

45%
Moderate
Ranked #442 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Photographers

Key skills

Active Listening
3.6
Speaking
3.2
Critical Thinking
3.2
Reading Comprehension
3.1
Monitoring
3.1
Active Learning
3.1
Service Orientation
3.1
Social Perceptiveness
3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service
5.1
Computers and Electronics
4.9
Sales and Marketing
4.9
Administrative
4.4
Administration and Management
4.1
Fine Arts
3.9
English Language
3.9
Production and Processing
3.5

What the work involves

Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsSelling or Influencing OthersThinking CreativelyOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeMaking Decisions and Solving Problems

Important abilities

Near VisionFar VisionVisualizationOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionVisual Color Discrimination

Education of workers

Some college
27%
High school diploma
18%
Bachelor's degree
14%
Associate's degree
14%
Post-secondary certificate
14%
Less than high school
9%
Post-bachelor's certificate
5%

Training before entry

1–3 months
45%
3–6 months
18%
Up to 1 month
14%
1–2 years
9%
6–12 months
9%
2–4 years
5%

Related work experience

1–2 years
45%
None
14%
2–4 years
9%
4–6 years
9%
6–12 months
9%
3–6 months
9%
Up to 1 month
5%

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.