Skip to content
AffordMap
Arts & Media · Iowa

How to Become a Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film in Iowa

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Films in Iowa earn a median salary of $48,110/year, which is 30% below the national average. Iowa has a state income tax of ~4.8%. After taxes and rent, a camera operators, television, video, and film takes home approximately $1,786/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.

$48K
Median salary in Iowa
-30%
vs. national average
4.8%
State income tax
140
Employed in Iowa

What a camera operators, television, video, and film can afford in Iowa

Gross annual salary$48,110
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.8% state tax)$3,198/mo
Median 2BR rent (Iowa)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home44.2% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$48,110/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,786/mo

Becoming a camera operators, television, video, and film in Iowa

1

Meet education requirements

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film positions in Iowa typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Iowa. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many camera operators, television, video, and film positions in Iowa require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Iowa licensure or certification

Iowa may require specific licensing or professional certification for camera operators, television, video, and films. Requirements vary by state — contact the Iowa Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Iowa

Iowa employs 140 camera operators, television, video, and films. The highest concentrations are in Des Moines-West Des Moines.

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film salary by metro area in Iowa

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Des Moines-West Des Moines$48K$22.98/hr40

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film salary range in Iowa

10th percentile (entry)
$31K
25th percentile
$34K
Median (50th)
$48K
75th percentile
$70K
90th percentile (senior)
$80K
View jobs for Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
Currently hiring in Iowa
View →
More openings for Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
Currently hiring in Iowa
View →
Build creative skills online
Design, UX, branding, and portfolio-building courses
View →
Full camera operators, television, video, and film salary breakdown in Iowa
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in Iowa
After federal + 4.8% state tax
Calculate →
Compare Iowa cost of living to other states
See where your salary goes further
Compare →

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a camera operators, television, video, and film make in Iowa?

The median camera operators, television, video, and film salary in Iowa is $48,110 per year ($23.13/hr). This is 30% below the national median of $68,810. Salaries range from $31,100 to $80,490.

What are the requirements to become a camera operators, television, video, and film in Iowa?

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film positions in Iowa typically require Bachelor's degree. Iowa may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Iowa licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a camera operators, television, video, and film afford to live in Iowa?

At the median salary of $48,110, a camera operators, television, video, and film in Iowa would take home approximately $3,198/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 44.2% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for camera operators, television, video, and films in Iowa?

The highest paying metro areas for camera operators, television, video, and films in Iowa are Des Moines-West Des Moines ($47,800). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Iowa have state income tax for camera operators, television, video, and films?

Yes, Iowa has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.8%. On a $48,110 salary, this means roughly $2,317/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.