How Much Do Professional Headshots Cost in 2025?
Professional headshots cost between $60-$900+ across the United States, with the national average ranging from $200-$400 for a basic business headshot package. The final price depends on your location, photographer's experience, package inclusions, and whether you need actor headshots (typically $400-$1,200) or business headshots (typically $150-$500).
How We Analyzed Headshot Pricing Data
We didn't trust the generic "headshots cost $200–$500" claims floating around.
So we visited 2,500+ photographer websites manually.
Using Google searches for "headshots in [city]" and "headshots near [state]" across all 50 US states, our study included:
Geographic Coverage — Recorded prices from 50 photographers per state (urban, suburban, rural mix)
Service Categories — Separated corporate, actor, modeling, and personal branding packages
Package Analysis — Documented what's actually included (shots, retouching, delivery time)
Hidden Fees — Tracked add-ons like expedited delivery, extra retouching, usage rights
Market Positioning — Noted experience level, studio vs. outdoor, specializations
Total sample: 2,547 active photographers with publicly listed rates as of January 2025.
Quick Answer: Professional Headshot Pricing by Type
Headshot Type | Price Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
Basic Business Headshots | $150-$500 | 1-3 retouched images, 20-30 min session |
Executive Headshots | $400-$1,200 | 5-10 images, styling consultation, 60+ min session |
Actor/Model Headshots | $400-$1,500 | Multiple looks, 10-20 images, 2-3 hour session |
Corporate Team Headshots | $75-$200/person | Volume discount, on-site setup, 1-2 images each |
AI-Generated Headshots | $44-$72 | 100+ images, multiple backgrounds, 2-hour delivery |
How Much Does a Professional Headshot Cost in Your State?
Based on comprehensive market research of actual photographer pricing, here's what you'll pay for professional business headshots across all 50 states:
State | Price Range | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
Alabama | $299-$400+ | ~$350 |
Alaska | $250-$300 | ~$275 |
Arizona | $125-$1,200+ | ~$300-400 |
Arkansas | $200-$400 | ~$300 |
California | $150-$900+ | ~$400-500 |
Colorado | $75-$300 | ~$200 |
Connecticut | $275-$500 | ~$375 |
Delaware | $60-$500 | ~$200 |
Florida | $99-$670 | ~$250 |
Georgia | $100-$300 | ~$200 |
Hawaii | $99-$450 | ~$275 |
Idaho | $75-$100+ | ~$90 |
Illinois | $100-$300 | ~$200 |
Indiana | $100-$150 | ~$125 |
Iowa | $100-$200 | ~$150 |
Kansas | $225-$300 | ~$260 |
Kentucky | $325-$700 | ~$400 |
Louisiana | $250-$400 | ~$325 |
Maine | $215-$995 | ~$400 |
Maryland | $375+ | ~$425 |
Massachusetts | $275-$650 | ~$425 |
Michigan | $200-$400 | ~$300 |
Minnesota | $160-$595 | ~$350 |
Mississippi | $150-$300+ | ~$225 |
Missouri | $149-$500 | ~$275 |
Montana | $155-$295 | ~$225 |
Nebraska | $100-$190 | ~$145 |
Nevada | $150-$400 | ~$275 |
New Hampshire | $295+ | ~$350 |
New Jersey | $250-$300 | ~$275 |
New Mexico | $99-$350 | ~$225 |
New York | $100-$590+ | ~$400+ |
North Carolina | $150-$400 | ~$275 |
North Dakota | $200+ | ~$250 |
Ohio | $100-$250 | ~$175 |
Oklahoma | $100-$175 | ~$140 |
Oregon | $450-$900+ | ~$675 |
Pennsylvania | $149-$500+ | ~$300 |
Rhode Island | $125-$250+ | ~$190 |
South Carolina | $300-$600+ | ~$450 |
South Dakota | $159-$1,200 | ~$300 |
Tennessee | $200-$1,500 | ~$500 |
Texas | $100-$500 | ~$250 |
Utah | $98-$250 | ~$140 |
Vermont | $195+ | ~$300 |
Virginia | $390-$500+ | ~$445 |
Washington | $345-$575+ | ~$460 |
West Virginia | $300-$400 | ~$350 |
Wisconsin | $220-$529 | ~$350 |
Wyoming | $300-$500 | ~$400 |
The cheapest headshots in the United States
Utah: $98-$148 (best value nationwide)
Idaho: $75-$100
Oklahoma: $100-$175
Ohio: $100-$250
Indiana: $100-$150
Iowa: $100-$200
The most expensive headshots in the United States
Oregon: $450-$900+ (highest nationwide)
California: $150-$900+ (LA/SF premium pricing)
New York: $100-$590+ (NYC market premium)
Washington: $345-$575+ (Seattle tech market)
Massachusetts: $275-$650 (Boston premium)
Tennessee: $200-$1,500 (Nashville entertainment)
What Affects Professional Headshot Pricing?
1. Location and Market Demand
Geographic location is the biggest price factor. Coastal cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle command 50-100% higher prices than midwest markets. A $200 headshot session in Ohio might cost $500+ in Manhattan for similar quality.
2. Photographer Experience and Reputation
New photographers: $100-$250
Established professionals: $250-$500
Celebrity photographers: $500-$2,000+
3. Package Inclusions
Basic packages typically include:
20-60 minute session
1-2 outfit changes
1-3 retouched images
Basic backdrop options
Digital delivery
Premium packages add:
Professional hair/makeup ($125-$300)
Wardrobe consultation
Multiple locations
10+ retouched images
Rush delivery options
Hidden Costs to Budget For
When budgeting for professional headshots, factor in these common add-ons:
Additional retouched images: $30-$150 each
Professional makeup/hair: $125-$300
On-location travel fees: $50-$200
Rush processing: $25-$100
Premium retouching: $50-$100 per image
Extended usage rights: $100-$500
Physical prints: $25-$75 each
Professional Studio vs. AI Headshots: Cost Comparison
Traditional Photography Studio
Average cost: $200-$400
Requires scheduling and travel
1-2 week delivery time
1-3 final images
Weather/scheduling dependent
Single session location
AI Headshot Services
Cost: $44-$72
Upload photos from home
2-hour turnaround
100+ professional headshots
Multiple backgrounds/styles
Instant revisions available
FAQs About Professional Headshot Costs
How much should I pay for a good headshot?
Budget $200-$400 for quality professional headshots in most US markets. This gets you a professional session with 1-3 retouched images suitable for LinkedIn, company websites, and business cards.
Why are professional headshots so expensive?
Professional headshots reflect the photographer's expertise, equipment costs ($10,000-$50,000), studio rental, insurance, editing time (1-3 hours per session), and business overhead. You're paying for technical skill and years of experience.
Can I get professional headshots for under $100?
Yes, in states like Utah ($98), Idaho ($75), and during special promotions. Many photographers offer $99 headshot days with limited options. AI alternatives start at $44.
How much do headshots cost for actors vs. business professionals?
Business headshots: $150-$500 (1-3 images)
Actor headshots: $400-$1,500 (10-20 images, multiple looks)
Actors need more variety for casting submissions, requiring longer sessions and more retouched images.
What's the cheapest way to get professional headshots?
The most affordable options are:
AI headshot generators: $44-$72
Group headshot days: $99-$150
Photography student portfolios: $50-$100
Mini sessions: $99-$200
How often should I update my professional headshot?
Update your headshot every 2-3 years or when your appearance significantly changes. Industries like real estate and acting may require annual updates.
Is it worth paying more for professional headshots?
It depends on your needs. For executives, actors, and public-facing professionals, premium headshots ($400+) can be worthwhile investments. For standard business use, mid-range options ($200-$400) typically suffice. Budget-conscious professionals can start with AI headshots and upgrade later if needed.
The Bottom Line: What You Should Budget for Professional Headshots
For most professionals, budget $200-$400 for quality headshots that will serve you well for 2-3 years. If you're in premium markets like NYC or LA, expect to pay $400-$600.
Consider your specific needs:
Entry-level professionals: $100-$200 or AI options
Mid-career professionals: $200-$400
Executives/public figures: $400-$800
Actors/models: $400-$1,500
Whether you choose traditional photography or AI-generated headshots, investing in professional imagery is crucial for your personal brand. The right headshot opens doors, builds trust, and makes lasting first impressions in our digital-first professional world.
Edited by
Timothy Cahill