Photographers Salary in Des Moines, IA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Median annual salary $36,460 -14.3% vs national
Median hourly $17.53
10th percentile $15,080
90th percentile $81,250
Employed locally 100
National median $42,520

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Photographers
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Des Moines, IA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $15,080
    25th
    $20,610
    50th (median)
    $36,460
    75th
    $63,100
    90th
    $81,250

    Des Moines economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $84,209 2023 • Census ACS
    Photographers salary vs area income 43% Median Photographers salary is 57% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Photographers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    District of Columbia $110,530
    Rochester, MN $78,870
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $75,070
    Bend, OR $72,760
    Springfield, MA $64,880
    Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $63,340

    Nearby metros — Photographers salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    District of Columbia $110,530
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $60,910
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $56,340
    California $50,610
    Louisiana $49,740
    Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL $47,720

    Related occupations in Des Moines, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Public Relations Specialists $68,360
    Coaches and Scouts $34,640
    Graphic Designers $51,100
    Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $39,300
    Interior Designers $62,390
    Producers and Directors $58,690

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Photographers make per hour in Des Moines?

    The median hourly wage for Photographers in Des Moines, IA is $17.53, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $37.94 or more per hour.

    Is Des Moines above or below average for Photographers salaries?

    The median Photographers salary in Des Moines, IA is 14.3% below the national median of $42,520. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Photographers in Des Moines?

    Entry-level Photographers (10th percentile) earn around $15,080 per year in Des Moines, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $20,610.