NFL photographers' salary: How much do photographers make in the NFL?

One of the most well-known sports leagues on the planet is the NFL. It is well-liked both domestically and overseas. Every weekend or weekday, depending on the situation, people in each metropolis, along with every other town or city across the country, tune in.

The media pays close attention to the sport because of its popularity. The events are reported and discussed in publications, on the internet, and on television.

Many photographers frequently attend an NFL game because of this extensive coverage. Have you ever wondered what someone might earn as a photographer in the NFL? Let's explore the world of NFL photography now.

Several factors determine the fee an NFL photographer demands. They may be able to charge extra if they have experience in the sport. Their level of expertise is essential. How many previous games have they covered?

The significance of the event is another consideration. An off-season game in mid-August will bring in much less money than a postseason game or the Super Bowl.

NFL photographers earn an average salary of $39,285 annually as of January 2023. That translates to about $18 per hour. This is the same as $755 weekly or $3,273 monthly. Given the wide range of average salaries for NFL photographers, there may be numerous prospects for growth and higher pay depending on previous experience, locality, and skillset.

Sports photographers in the US may earn anywhere from $10,008 to $128,763, with an average wage of $24,375.

How to become an NFL photographer

The goal of every photoshoot for NFL photographers is to take pictures that convey a story and create a narrative that connects with spectators. Nevertheless, being an NFL photographer requires much more than merely showing up to games regularly.

There are two main career pathways for NFL photographers. Some take player and game action photos and commercial images directly for the NFL. Some NFL photographers also serve other companies, such as sports broadcasting networks or newspapers.

Both career possibilities necessitate a solid background in cinematography and comprehensive sports knowledge. Since working for the NFL is complicated and requires both luck and skill, there is no assurance that any single path will lead you there.

Photographers for the NFL must be proficient with digital and analog cameras and industry-standard programs like Photoshop and Lightroom.