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Arts, Entertainment, & Design · Design & Digital Arts

Photographer: a high school diploma, years of practice, a portfolio; FAA certificate to fly a drone for work

Photographers typically need a high school diploma. Many take classes or earn a certificate or degree in photography, and many start as an assistant to a professional photographer. Some employers require or prefer a bachelor's in photography or photojournalism. Flying a drone commercially needs an FAA certificate.

For: Creative, detail-minded people who are comfortable finding clients and working irregular hours.

See the roadmap Photographer guide

Route 1: Assistant to a professional photographer Typical

Skill is typically cultivated over years of practice; working as an assistant builds experience, a portfolio and contacts with clients.

  1. Start here

    High school diploma

    BLS
    Photographers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
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  2. Optional

    Photography classes or a certificate

    Offered by universities, community colleges, vocational–technical institutes and private trade schools.

    BLS
    Photographers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
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  3. On the job

    Assistant to a professional photographer

    Learn photo-editing software too.

    BLS
    Photographers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
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  4. Proof

    A portfolio

    Art directors and clients review portfolios when deciding whom to hire.

    BLS
    Photographers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
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  5. Goal

    Photographer

    BLS
    Photographers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
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Route 2: Bachelor's in photography or photojournalism Some employers prefer it

Business, marketing and accounting classes help self-employed photographers.

  1. Start here

    High school diploma

    BLS
    Photographers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
    View source

  2. About 4 years

    Bachelor's in photography, photojournalism or a related fine arts field

    BLS
    Photographers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
    View source

  3. Goal

    Photographer or photojournalist

    BLS
    Photographers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
    View source

Route 3: Registered Apprenticeship Earn while you learn

DOL lists Photographer, Still as an apprenticeable occupation.

  1. Start here

    High school diploma

    BLS
    Photographers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
    View source

  2. Find a program

    A Registered Apprenticeship

    Validated by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency.

    USDOL
    What is a Registered Apprenticeship Program?U.S. Department of Labor (Apprenticeship.gov)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
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  3. 6,000 hours

    Photographer, Still (RAPIDS 0403)

    Time-based minimum term: 6,000 hours.

    USDOL
    Approved occupations for Registered Apprenticeship (spreadsheet: RAPIDS code, type, minimum term)U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship (Apprenticeship.gov)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026

    Linked from apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-occupations. Term lengths are hours of on-the-job learning; time-based programs list one figure, hybrid programs a range.

    View source

  4. Goal

    Photographer

    BLS
    Photographers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
    View source

Licenses, registrations and certifications

Each one is marked: a state or federal license is the law, a registration through an employer comes with the job, and a voluntary certification is one employers may ask for.

FAA remote pilot certificate (small UAS)
Federal Aviation Administration · Federal license
Required to operate drones commercially. Eligibility: at least 16, able to read, speak, write and understand English, and pass an initial aeronautical knowledge test (or, for current Part 61 pilots, complete training).
eCFR
14 CFR 107.61: Eligibility for a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS ratingElectronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR)
Checked
21 Oct 2026
View source
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What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.

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Every step links to the official page it came from (regulators, licensing boards, the law), checked 21 Oct 2026. State and city licensing rules change: confirm with the board where you will work before you pay any fee. Education Margdarshan does not recommend paid courses. All careers →