Info on Working as a Multimedia Editor in Iowa

The state of Iowa features hundreds of motion picture producers, thousands of broadcasting companies and many local artists seeking employment.  In today's high tech job market, multimedia design is the most lucrative of all visual arts occupations.  Some productions may need animators.  Others may need actors.  But all multimedia productions need audio-visual editors.

Iowa Schools and Training Programs for Multimedia Editing

Colleges and University film schools in the state of Iowa offer a wide range of multimedia classes and professional programs.  Popular local colleges with thriving film divisions include Drake University in Des Moines, University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Briarcliff University in Sioux City, Iowa State University in Ames and Ashford University in Clinton, among others.  Aspiring multimedia editors earning degrees at Iowa colleges often major in communications design.

Some Iowa artists earn degrees or acquire technical skills by enrolling in online educational programs.  Popular accredited virtual film schools include the Academy of Art University, Post University, Full Sail University, Stratford Career Institute, University of Phoenix, The Art Institutes, DeVry and ITT Tech.  Quite a few online art colleges also feature local resource facilities.  University of Phoenix has campuses in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.  ITT Tech maintains locations in Cedar Rapids and Clive.

Working as a Multimedia Editor in Iowa

The state of Iowa supports more than 325,000 commercial businesses, with many of them hiring multimedia professionals, especially in the editing department.  Iowa audio-visual editors often work for local TV stations like ABC-5 and Meredith-Broadcasting in Des Moines, CBS in Storm Lake, Cedar Rapids TV in Cedar Rapids or KCAU in Sioux City, to name a few.  Iowa sound editors are often employed by local radio stations like Des-Moines-Radio-Group and Star in Des Moines, Virden-Broadcasting in Davenport, KURE in Ames and many others. 

Professional multimedia editors employed full time in the state of Iowa earn about $69,000 per year on average, with a mean hourly wage of around $34.50. 

Skills of a Professional Multimedia Editor

Audio-visual editing professionals are usually familiar with all aspects of multimedia design, and are often recruited to assist with technical functions such as lighting, layout, camera angles and set design.  Media editors also develop story lines and adjust scripts to fit the parameters of the project.  Basically, the main task of an audio-visual editor is to analyze, manipulate and reassemble taped footage in accordance with the desires of the show's producers.  Multimedia editors are as highly accomplished at using digital editing software as they are with traditional editing techniques.  Audio-visual editing design also requires advanced interpersonal skills like fast comprehension, intense concentration and a primary focus on the small details.