Comprehensive Guide to Headshot Prices: Latest State-by-State Cost Analysis
Headshot photography prices can vary a lot depending on where you live. In this guide, we’ll break down the cost of headshots across different U.S. states so you know what to expect and how to budget for the perfect photo.
For accurate and up-to-date information, we researched the prices of five photography services in each state across the U.S. We gathered data on the cost of professional headshots from these services and calculated their average. This approach determined the average headshot price by state, clarifying what to expect when budgeting.
The Average Headshot Pricing in the US States: Latest 2024 Data
Alabama - $370.00
Alaska - $275.00
Arizona - $371.87
Arkansas - $306.00
California - $794.00
Colorado - $435.00
Connecticut - $457.00
Delaware - $385.00
Florida - $243.80
Georgia - $240.80
Hawaii - $271.11
Idaho - $275.25
Illinois - $350.00
Indiana - $176.00
Iowa - $350.00
Kansas - $282.00
Kentucky - $248.60
Louisiana - $305.00
Maine - $308.00
Maryland - $331.00
Massachusetts - $339.80
Michigan - $291.60
Minnesota - $291.00
Mississippi - $235.60
Missouri - $453.50
Montana - $249.80
Nebraska - $207.60
Nevada - $273.00
New Hampshire - $388.00
New Jersey - $275.00
New Mexico - $271.40
New York - $924.90
North Carolina - $330.00
North Dakota - $210.00
Ohio - $218.60
Oklahoma - $263.60
Oregon - $340.80
Pennsylvania - $316.90
Rhode Island - $330.00
South Carolina - $263.80
South Dakota - $235.00
Tennessee - $244.00
Texas - $329.80
Utah - $234.00
Vermont - $250.00
Virginia - $289.00
Washington - $294.00
West Virginia - $250.00
Wisconsin - $250.00
Wyoming - $250.00
New York is the most expensive state for headshots, averaging $924.90 per session. The high demand in industries like finance, media, and acting drives up prices, with professionals seeking top-tier photographers. Photographers in New York often have extensive experience and charge premiums, reflecting both expertise and the high cost of operating in the city.
Indiana, on the other hand, is the cheapest, with an average cost of $176.00 per session. The lower cost of living and reduced demand for high-end headshots make services more affordable. Photographers in smaller markets face less competition and lower overhead, contributing to lower prices.
How Much Headshots Cost Based on Photographer Experience
When analyzing the costs of headshot photography based on the information from Fash, we can see a correlation between the photographer’s experience and the prices they charge. Here’s a breakdown and comparison:
Entry-Level Photographers
Prices for headshots can range from $100 to $300 per hour for commercial headshots, which aligns with the lower end of the pricing spectrum. Entry-level photographers, especially those who are newer to the industry, might charge closer to the $100 range per hour.
Mid-Level Photographers
More experienced photographers tend to charge in the $250 to $500 range per hour. This range is typical for mid-level photographers who have established a good reputation and offer higher-quality services.
High-End Photographers
Top-tier photographers may charge $300 or more per hour, especially in high-demand locations like New York or Los Angeles. For all-inclusive packages, these photographers might charge up to $1,500 or more, depending on the services included, such as hair and makeup.
Automated headshot studios like Studio Pod offer a more affordable alternative to traditional photographers, with rates starting at $50 per session compared to photographers who may charge hundreds per hour. Using a high-resolution Canon DSLR camera and professional lighting ensures absolute professional results, comparable to traditional photographers. Studio Pod can also be rented for group or work events, making it a cost-effective alternative to hiring individual photographers.
1. Studio Pod – Texas, Florida, California, New York, Illinois, Arizona, Louisiana, Georgia, Colorado
2. Iris Booth – Massachusetts, California, New York
3. Snappr – California, New York
4. Headshots2Go – Colorado
5. Simple Booth – Texas
6. Lumos Headshots – California
7. Selfie Station – Illinois
8.The Headshot Truck – California, New York
What Else Affects Headshot Pricing: Additional Items
We looked at prices from at least five headshot services across the U.S. to come up with these average ranges. Keep in mind, these are just general estimates—actual costs can vary depending on the photographer and the specific services you need.
Hair and Makeup
Some photography studios offer professional hair and makeup services, which can enhance the final result of a headshot. These services typically cost an additional $100 to $300, depending on the artist’s expertise and the level of styling. Including hair and makeup ensures a polished and consistent look in your photos.
Outfit Changes
Some packages allow for multiple outfit changes during a session, which can be beneficial for creating a variety of looks. Each additional outfit change might increase the session time and cost but offers versatility in the final images. This is particularly useful for professionals needing different looks for various platforms or purposes. The average cost is $50 to $150 per outfit change.
Rush Fees
If you need your headshots quickly, some photographers charge rush fees to expedite the editing and delivery process. This can add $50 to $150 or more to your total cost, depending on how quickly you need the images.
Studio Vs. On Location
Studio shoots provide controlled lighting and backgrounds, generally costing $100 to $500. On-location sessions offer natural settings but may include additional travel or equipment costs, often making them slightly more expensive. These sessions typically range from $250 to $700 or more.
Editing
Retouching enhances headshots by refining skin tone, removing blemishes, and adjusting lighting. This process is crucial for a polished, professional image, typically costing $25 to $100 per image depending on the complexity.
Summing Up
Our research, which involved analyzing headshot prices from five photography services per state and calculating their averages, offers a comprehensive view of what you can expect. This methodology ensures our data is both accurate and current, helping you make informed decisions regardless of your location. Whether you’re in California or Indiana, this guide provides a clear snapshot of headshot costs nationwide.
