General
Film Video And Photographic Arts
Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Film Video And Photographic Arts.
Entry Level Salary
$33,765
Median Salary
$71,735
Unemployment Rate
7.1%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
33.0%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $2,869,400
Entry (Early)
$33,765
Median (Prime)
$71,735
High (Prime)
$76,000
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 4 Years to Graduation
This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.
Lifetime Value Added (NPV)
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-152k
+176k
+211k
$25k / yr
-242k
+86k
+121k
$50k / yr
-332k
-4k
+31k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
29
28
$25k / yr
Never
39
36
$50k / yr
Never
Never
52
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-222%
79%
111%
$50k / yr
-153%
-2%
14%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
Important Note: Your ROI with any major will depend on the cost you pay to attend the program, and your starting salary. Both vary significantly across institutions. We encourage you to explore the ROI of a specific program variant by selecting the Program title of the credential level you are interested in. You will then have a more detailed return analysis for programs at specific institutions. We also encourage you to use the ROI calculator, or for more sophisticated analysis, the Guided ROI Interview, with your specific estimates of cost and salary.
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate15.9%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.
Top Professions
Producers and directors
6.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$52,063
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$80,000|$83,480
openings
12,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.9%
Photographers
5.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$32,281
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$45,815|$42,520
openings
12,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +1.8%
Television, video, and film camera operators and editors
5.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$40,769
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$67,530|$70,570
openings
6,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.7%
Management occupations
4.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$36,444
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$82,592|$122,090
openings
1,147,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%
Postsecondary teachers
1.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$12,434
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$58,584|$81,600
openings
136,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.9%
Retail salespersons
1.8% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$19,921
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$25,000|$34,580
openings
555,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.5%
First-line supervisors of retail sales workers
1.8% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$24,509
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$58,310|$47,320
openings
125,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): -5%
Editors
1.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$37,485
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$67,530|$75,260
openings
9,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +0.6%
Elementary and middle school teachers
1.7% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$41,650
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$60,000|$62,500
openings
132,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): -2%
Customer service representatives
1.6% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$33,476
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$40,588|$42,830
openings
341,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): -5.5%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 27 and under (PUMS).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2024–2034).
Program Variants & Earnings Ranges
Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.
Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.
| Program Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| film/video and photographic arts. | Undergrad Certificate | 90 | $19,313 - $40,579 |
| film/video and photographic arts. | Associate's Degree | 109 | $19,450 - $42,221 |
| film/video and photographic arts. | Bachelor's Degree | 332 | $21,459 - $78,034 |
| film/video and photographic arts. | Master's Degree | 81 | $38,915 - $90,973 |
| film/video and photographic arts. | Doctoral Degree | 14 | Data N/A |