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Last Updated: July 23, 2026

Crime Scene Photographer Salary in Chicago, IL

How much does a Crime Scene Photographer make in Chicago, IL?

$45,617 (USD)/year

Average Bonus

$634 (USD)

per Year
Total Compensation

$45,774.08

As of July, 23, 2026, the average crime scene photographer gross salary in Chicago, Illinois is $45,617 or an equivalent hourly rate of $22. In addition, crime scene photographers earn an average bonus of $634. An entry level crime scene photographer with 1-3 years of experience earns an average salary of $35,463. At the higher end of the pay range, a senior level crime scene photographer with 8+ years of experience earns an average salary of $50,286. Salary estimates are based on salary survey data collected directly from employers in Chicago, Illinois.
Data powered by ERI

Salary Potential for a Crime Scene Photographer

Explore the estimated salary growth for a Crime Scene Photographer in Chicago, IL for up to 5 years. The estimated salary of a Crime Scene Photographer will be $46,794 in 1 year and $51,814 in 5 years.
View Salary by Year
Estimated Salary
$48,002
Average Growth
5.2 %
The estimated salary for a Crime Scene Photographer in 2 years is $48,002, which is 5.2 % average growth. This information is based on ERI's compensation database.

Typical Crime Scene Photographer Education

This chart displays the highest level of education for Crime Scene Photographers.

  • 0% of Crime Scene Photographers have less than a High School Diploma
  • 100% of Crime Scene Photographers have a High School Diploma
  • 0% of Crime Scene Photographers have an Associate's Degree
  • 0% of Crime Scene Photographers have a Bachelor's Degree
  • 0% of Crime Scene Photographers have a Master's Degree
  • 0% of Crime Scene Photographers have a Doctorate Degree

The typical field of study for a Crime Scene Photographer is Commercial Photography Training.

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Popular Skills for a Crime Scene Photographer

Assembles equipment
100%
Performs analysis
100%
Photographs persons
100%
Takes pictures
100%
Arranges subject
50%

These are the most popular skills for Crime Scene Photographers. About 100% of Crime Scene Photographers have a skill in Assembles equipment. The top 3 most popular skills for Crime Scene Photographers are assembles equipment, performs analysis, and photographs persons.

See how skills can impact your salary

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Where can a Crime Scene Photographer earn more?

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Crime Scene Photographer Salaries in Other Locations

Salaries for Similar Job Titles in Chicago, IL

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Crime Scene Photographer Jobs

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Cost of Living in Chicago, IL

The cost of living in Chicago, IL is 35% higher than the national average.
Cost of living trend higher
35% higher
than the national average
Whether you're planning to move or just want to see the cost of living in different locations, our cost-of-living calculator is the place to start. Compare salaries for other locations by city, U.S. ZIP code, state, or country.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Crime Scene Photographer do?
Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists. Excludes “Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film” (27-4031).
How much does a Crime Scene Photographer make in Chicago, IL?
The average salary for a Crime Scene Photographer is $45,617 per year or $21.93 per hour in Chicago, IL. Top earners have reported making up to $50,286. However, the typical pay range in Chicago, IL is between $35,463 and $50,286 annually.
What is the salary trajectory for a Crime Scene Photographer?
Crime Scene Photographer is projected to see a 13.6 % salary change in 5 years.
How can you increase your salary?
Increasing your salary often starts with understanding your value in today’s job market. You can increase your earning potential by building your skills, advancing your education, moving into a new role or industry, switching companies, or negotiating pay.
How can you negotiate a salary offer? 
Negotiating a salary offer involves preparation and finding our your market value. Use our salary calculator to find out how much you should be paid based on what someone in your area, with similar experience, earns. Use this personalized report to help negotiate a higher salary offer or find your dream career. 
What are some factors that impact Crime Scene Photographer salaries? 
Several factors can impact your salary, including experience, company size, job market, location, industry, and more. Understanding how these factors affect your role can help you spot pay gaps and provide opportunities for a competitive salary.

About Our Data

This page is an excerpt of the much more complete compensation information available in ERI's Assessor Series.

ERI compiles the most robust and accurate salary, cost-of-living, and executive compensation survey database available. Data are analyzed using AI and traditional statistics, depending on which approach is best for a particular application. ERI collects salary survey data from five different sources, which you can learn about here.

Verified Sources
Data sourced from internal salary surveys, purchased surveys, public sources, HRIS data, and proprietary databases.
Real-Time Data
Our salary database is updated and verified approximately every six weeks.
Quality Assurance
Along with our data scientists, we have included AI in our rigorous process to analyze and provide the highest quality data.

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