This is not a photography job, this is a data collection job. - Field Research Photographer CoStar Group Employee Review

1.0
Oct 17, 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

They help you get a drone license so you can use that to get a job that is actually about taking photos.

Cons

CoStar created an entire department of Architectural Photographers and their only job is to do all the photo/add shoot work. They do zero data stuff. So if you have a Architectural Photographer in your market you will never do photography just data collection. The photographer part of the Field Research Photographer is just to rope you in… you’ve been warned. Micromanaging on steroids, if you are stopped somewhere for more than 10 minutes you get a call from your manager asking why. Just think about that, if you’re working they assume you’re not. Not only that they look at satellite images of where you were stopped and decide for themselves if you could see a particular building or data point. Get use to going to the bathroom in a bottle while in your car because the productivity requirements are so insane it’s more productive to pee in a bottle than go find a decent washroom. Also if you spend too much time trying to find a washroom they question your driving routes because productivity…

Explore other reviews about CoStar Group

5.0
Jul 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Work-life balance is quite good

Cons

There isn't a ton of flexibility, but you get a lot of PTO that makes up for it

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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