Media & Communications Iowa (IA) Rank #39 of 50

Photographer Salary in Iowa

The median photographer salary in Iowa is $35,778 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $40,200.

Median Salary
$35,778
vs National
$-4,422
State Rank
#39 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Photographer Salary in Iowa by Experience

In Iowa, an entry-level photographer earns around $23,140, while experienced professionals earn up to $66,750 per year. The cost of living index in Iowa is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$23,140
$-2,860 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$37,380
$-4,620 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$66,750
$-8,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Iowa

Percentile IA Salary
10th Percentile $21,360
25th Percentile $26,700
Median (50th) $35,778
75th Percentile $51,620
90th Percentile $72,980

Photographer Salary by City in Iowa

The largest employment areas for photographers in Iowa include Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Des Moines, IA
$36,984
Pop. 214,133 · COL 92%
Cedar Rapids, IA
$35,376
Pop. 137,710 · COL 88%
Davenport, IA
$34,572
Pop. 101,724 · COL 86%
Sioux City, IA
$33,768
Pop. 85,797 · COL 84%
Iowa City, IA
$38,190
Pop. 74,828 · COL 95%

How to Become a Photographer in Iowa

Education

Most photographer positions require a high school diploma. Iowa has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PhotographyLightroom/PhotoshopLightingCompositionPhoto EditingClient Management

Job Outlook in Iowa

Nationally, photographer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Iowa's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Photographer Jobs in Iowa

Browse open photographer positions in Iowa:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Photographer Salary in Iowa

How much does a Photographer make in Iowa? ▼
The median photographer salary in Iowa is $35,778 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $40,200. Salaries range from $21,360 (10th percentile) to $72,980 (90th percentile).
How much does a Photographer make per hour in Iowa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $35,778, a photographer in Iowa earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Iowa a good state for photographers? ▼
Iowa ranks #39 out of 50 states for photographer pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level photographers earn $23,140, while senior professionals earn $66,750.
How does Iowa compare to other states for photographer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for photographers is Hawaii at $68,340. Iowa's median of $35,778 ranks #39 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Dakota ($36,180) and Ohio ($36,180).
What is the entry-level photographer salary in Iowa? ▼
An entry-level photographer in Iowa earns approximately $23,140 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $37,380. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $66,750.
What city in Iowa pays photographers the most? ▼
Iowa City is the highest paying city in Iowa for photographers, with a median salary of $38,190. Other cities include Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.