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Film Video And Photographic Arts

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Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Film Video And Photographic Arts.

Entry Level Salary
$36,000
Median Salary
$72,990
Unemployment Rate
7.4%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
33.2%
Working non-college jobs

Earnings Trajectory

Lifetime: $2,919,600
Entry (Early)
$36,000
Median (Prime)
$72,990
High (Prime)
$78,783

ROI Sensitivity Analysis
Assuming 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
-132k
+189k
+236k
$25k / yr
-222k
+99k
+146k
$50k / yr
-312k
+9k
+56k

Break-even Age

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
28
27
$25k / yr
Never
38
34
$50k / yr
Never
60
47

Return on Investment %

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-204%
91%
134%
$50k / yr
-143%
4%
26%
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).

These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →

Education Impact

Advanced Degree Rate15.1%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.

Top Professions

Producers and directors

6.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$50,440
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$81,460|$90,360
openings
12,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4%

Television, video, and film camera operators and editors

5.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$40,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$66,910|$75,100
openings
5,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.6%

Photographers

5.0% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$35,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$44,263|$44,660
openings
10,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.7%

Management occupations

4.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$40,550
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$85,747|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%

First-line supervisors of retail sales workers

2.0% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$30,881
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$55,000|$48,520
openings
113,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): -3.7%

Retail salespersons

1.8% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$24,291
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$32,155|$35,410
openings
520,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.3%

Postsecondary teachers

1.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$15,441
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$59,704|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%

Artists and related workers

1.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$42,509
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$72,057|$99,760
openings
20,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.2%

Editors

1.6% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$34,757
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$64,311|$77,920
openings
7,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): -1.1%

Elementary and middle school teachers

1.6% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$20,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$61,404|$64,170
openings
127,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.4%

About this Data:

  • Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
  • Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
  • Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).

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 TitleCredential Level# CollegesMedian Earnings Range
film/video and photographic arts.Undergrad Certificate81$19,313 - $44,279
film/video and photographic arts.Associate's Degree100$19,450 - $44,278
film/video and photographic arts.Bachelor's Degree325$21,459 - $79,039
film/video and photographic arts.Master's Degree79$38,915 - $90,973
film/video and photographic arts.Doctoral Degree14Data N/A