Gender Pay Gap for Women Photographers in 2024

The Story: A recent study by OnDeck reveals a troubling trend in the freelance photography world: women photographers are earning approximately 25% less than their male counterparts for similar work. While women excel in certain niches, the overall gender pay gap in photography remains significant, highlighting the persistent undervaluation of female creatives.

The Details:

• Freelance male photographers charge an average of $100.50 per hour, while female photographers average $75.41. That's a pay gap of about $25 per hour.

• In product photography, women actually earn $21.97 more than men, showing strength in this niche, but overall, they are still at a disadvantage.

• Women videographers earn $121.67 per hour compared to $74.25 for men, marking a $47.42 difference in favor of female professionals in that category.

• A historical bias in photography, often viewed as a "man's craft," contributes to women's lower rates, as the medium was established by males.

• Organizations like Hundred Heroines are pushing for better recognition and representation of female creatives in the photography industry.

Why It Matters: This pay gap isn't just an isolated issue—it's a reflection of broader societal attitudes towards gender roles and professionalism in creative fields. For women photographers and creatives, understanding these dynamics is crucial for advocacy and empowerment in their careers. The findings encourage a push for fair pay and recognition, underlining that the fight for gender equity in creative professions is far from over. It's a call to action for women to stand up for their worth and for agencies to lead the charge in addressing and correcting these disparities.