Pay by Role
Japan · Salary comparison

Photographer vs Social Media Manager salary

In Japan, a social media manager earns about 12% more than a photographer $63,504 vs $56,585 per year.

Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is JPY). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies

Creative
Photographer
$56,585/yr
Monthly
$4,715
Hourly
$27
Range
$33,668$84,595
10-yr outlook
+4%
Pays more
Creative
Social Media Manager
$63,504/yr
Monthly
$5,292
Hourly
$31
Range
$40,643$91,446
10-yr outlook
+10%

Pay range, side by side

PercentilePhotographerSocial Media Manager
Entry (10th)$33,668$40,643
25th$45,127$52,073
Median$56,585$63,504
75th$70,590$77,475
Senior (90th)$84,595$91,446

National Japan figures in JPY. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.

More Creative comparisons

Frequently asked questions

Does a photographer or social media manager earn more in Japan?
A social media manager earns more, at about ¥10,280,000 per year vs ¥9,160,000 for a photographer — roughly 12% (¥1,120,000) more.
What is the salary range for these roles in Japan?
A photographer typically earns ¥5,450,200–¥13,694,200, while a social media manager earns ¥6,579,200–¥14,803,200 per year.
How much do these jobs pay per month in Japan?
On a monthly basis before tax, a photographer averages about ¥763,300 and a social media manager about ¥856,700.
How do entry-level salaries compare?
At the 10th percentile in Japan, a photographer earns about ¥5,450,200 while a social media manager earns about ¥6,579,200 per year.
How do senior-level salaries compare?
At the 90th percentile in Japan, a photographer earns about ¥13,694,200 while a social media manager earns about ¥14,803,200 per year.
Are photographer and social media manager similar careers?
Both roles sit in the Creative category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.