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Photographers Salary in Iowa

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Photographers make in Iowa?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$38,290
Median Annual Salary
▲ +5.3% vs 2024
$42,860
Mean Salary
$38,290
Median Salary
$18.41
Hourly Rate
430 people work as Photographers in Iowa

Photographers salary by percentile in Iowa

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Photographers salary in Iowa — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Photographers in Iowa.10thBottom 10% earn less than $15,080$15,08025th25% earn less than $23,670$23,670MedianHalf earn more than $38,290$38,29075th75% earn less than $49,440$49,44090thTop 10% earn more than $77,830$77,830

Photographers in Iowa earn a median salary of $38,290 per year ($3,190/month). This is 12.8% below the national average of $43,927. Iowa ranks #33 out of 49 states for Photographers pay. Approximately 430 people work in this occupation across Iowa. Salaries increased by 5.3% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Photographers

Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists.

Top Skills

Active Listening
3.75
Speaking
3.75
Service Orientation
3.25
Reading Comprehension
3.12
Critical Thinking
3.12

Key Knowledge Areas

Customer and Personal Service
4.68
Sales and Marketing
4.48
Computers and Electronics
4.18
Administration and Management
3.86
English Language
3.73
Typical Education: Some College Courses (27.3% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Photographers in Iowa

Salaries for Photographers in Iowa range from $15,080 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $77,830 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $23,670 and $49,440.

Median $38,290
P10: $15,080 P25: $23,670 P75: $49,440 P90: $77,830
10th
$15,080
25th
$23,670
Median
$38,290
75th
$49,440
90th
$77,830
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $15,080 $7.25 $1,256
25th Percentile $23,670 $11.38 $1,972
Median (50th) $38,290 $18.41 $3,190
75th Percentile $49,440 $23.77 $4,120
90th Percentile (Experienced) $77,830 $37.42 $6,485

Note: The mean (average) salary of $42,860 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#33
Iowa ranks #33 of 49 states
$43,927
National avg. for Photographers
-12.8%
vs. national average
Below Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in Iowa:

What does this salary really buy? See Photographers salary in Iowa adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Photographers take-home pay in Iowa after taxes →

Explore Photographers Data in Iowa

Photographers Salary by State

Compare Photographers pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Photographers make in Iowa?
The median annual salary for Photographers in Iowa is $38,290 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $42,860.
What is the salary range for a Photographers in Iowa?
Salaries for Photographers in Iowa range from $15,080 at the 10th percentile to $77,830 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $23,670 and $49,440.
What is the starting salary for a Photographers in Iowa?
Entry-level Photographers positions in Iowa typically start around $15,080 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $23,670 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Photographers in Iowa?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 430 people are employed as Photographers in Iowa.
What is the hourly rate for a Photographers in Iowa?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Photographers in Iowa is approximately $18.41 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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