A data collection job, not a photography role. - Architectural Photographer CoStar Group Employee Review

1.0
Aug 19, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

There is a salary* and there are benefits. That is all

Cons

To start, look at the company's reputation. It's low for a reason. The 5 star reviews are added by managers who are internally ordered to do so. Reach out to anyone who's been in the role directly to ask if you can chat prior to accepting any position in the company. Don't be fooled by the title. The position used to be for actual architectural photographers who were incentivized to focus on quality over quantity. This hasn't been a thing since 2021. Now, all the actual photographers have left, been fired because they refused to lower standards at the cost of their metrics, or have died inside because they need the salary and benefits for their families. The role now mostly consists of snapping photos of assigned buildings, the same as what the field research photographers did back in the day. Something you could do with a phone. You'll also be expected and assigned tasks that are unsafe and borderline legal. An ask for forgiveness, not for permission mentality. Just don't expect the company to have your back if you do get into any situations. *The salary is extremely low for the number of hours you'll be expected (not explicitly) to work to keep on top of ever changing metrics. And don't be fooled by the idea of a company car or camera gear. That car will monitor everything you do, and the gear is to honeypot unsuspecting people into the role. Numerous current and former AP's have suffered from health issued related to stress. One in Texas had a heart attack. This is not normal. Oh, and there was a small movement to unionize a few years back. The company fired the organizers and a good chunk of the people who were in a group email (whether they were for unionizing or not). They followed this up with a condescending email that told us we were basically stupid for considering any options to maybe relieve some of the stress they constantly pile onto us. And they destroyed an ex employee legally for creating a meme account on IG that mostly mocked the CEO, but also shared horror stories from current and former employees.

Explore other reviews about CoStar Group

5.0
Jul 11, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The opportunity to build skills and income.

Cons

Low ramp up in sales

1.0
Jul 9, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

This company makes a strong first impression during the interview and training process. Unfortunately, my experience after onboarding was very different. Decision-making is highly centralized, leaving employees with very little autonomy. The company emphasizes ethics and integrity, but my experience did not consistently reflect those values. Favoritism also appeared to play a significant role in how employees were treated and how decisions were made. HR presents itself as a resource for employees, but concerns often end with, “It will be up to your manager.” That can be frustrating when the issue involves your manager or requires an impartial review. CoStar has developed a reputation for these issues, and from what I experienced, it wasn’t always this way. A few years ago, the company at least appeared to prioritize its employees. Today, that commitment feels diminished. The return-to-office expectations can also be unreasonable. During severe weather, employees are still expected to report to the office even when many other companies in the area allow employees to work remotely for safety. Finally, performance expectations and metrics are frequently changed, making goals increasingly difficult to achieve. Combined with inconsistent communication from leadership, it creates an environment where employees often feel unsupported and uncertain about expectations.

Cons

Good Health Benefits for families and singles Decent pay

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