Home / City Job Salaries / Photographer in Ankeny

Photographer Salary in Ankeny, IA

How much does a photographer make in Ankeny? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Ankeny's cost of living.

Median Salary
$46,592
per year in Ankeny
Entry Level
$26,208
Starting salary
Senior Level
$69,888
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
92
8% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how photographer salaries break down across different pay periods in Ankeny.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$26,208$46,592$69,888
Monthly$2,184$3,883$5,824
Biweekly$1,008$1,792$2,688
Weekly$504$896$1,344
Hourly$13$22$34

Ankeny vs National Average

How Ankeny's photographer salaries compare to national figures.

Ankeny Salary
$46,592
COL Index: 92
National Average
$61,760
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$15,168
Lower in Ankeny

Cost of Living in Ankeny

1-Bedroom Rent
$880
per month
Median Income
$72,234
per year
Population
67,790
residents
Rent % of Income
14.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 92 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Ankeny have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Photographer

Overview

Capture images for clients and organizations.

Education

High school diploma; certificate or degree in photography preferred

Key Skills

PhotographyPhoto EditingLightingComposition

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +16% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Photographer Salary

See Photographer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$60,270
+29%
Los Angeles, CA
$60,250
+29%
Chicago, IL
$34,950
-25%
Houston, TX
$38,480
-17%
Phoenix, AZ
$37,560
-19%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a photographer salary in Ankeny.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Ankeny.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Ankeny.

Photographer Salary in Ankeny, IA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a photographer in Ankeny, IA is $46,592 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 92. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Ankeny's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level photographer professionals in Ankeny can expect to earn around $26,208 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level photographers earning approximately $69,888 per year. This represents a 167% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Ankeny's cost of living index of 92 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Ankeny are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $61,760, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a photographer's salary in Ankeny typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $880 per month, housing represents about 22.7% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Photographers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 16% over the next decade. In Ankeny, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.