Audio & Video Technology at Iowa Western Community College

Council Bluffs, IA · Public · Associate Degree · Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians

with a smaller student body of 3,029 in Council Bluffs, IA.

Program Analysis

Iowa Western Community College's Audio & Video Technology graduates start at $24,428/yr — above the $22,234 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 28.9x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

Career paths for Audio & Video Technology carry above-average AI exposure (50% of tasks). The 40% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $11,000 in median debt clears fast against $24,428 in annual earnings.

A #10 ranking among 26 Audio & Video Technology programs places Iowa Western Community College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $24,428-to-$42,920 earnings arc over five years reflects a 76% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

The 10 apprenticeship pathways connected to Audio & Video Technology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

35 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
28
Low End
35
Score
38
High End
Earnings $24,428/yr (10% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (50% shielded)
Job Market Medium (20,800 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$429K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
31.6x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
8 of 8
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$13,560
Out-of-state: $13,860
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,000
5.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,920
76% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Audio & Video Technology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Film and video editors $70,980 +4.0% 47%
Camera operators, television, video, and film $68,810 +1.2% 58%
Court reporters and simultaneous captioners $67,310 -0.3% 4%
Film and video editors
$70,980
+4.0% growth 47% AI-proof
Camera operators, television, video, and film
$68,810
+1.2% growth 58% AI-proof
Court reporters and simultaneous captioners
$67,310
-0.3% growth 4% AI-proof

View all 8 career paths with full salary data →

Audio & Video Technology Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Audio & Video Technology careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering other programs.

Read the full Audio & Video Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Audio & Video Technology Overview

Audio & Video Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Iowa Western Community College

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 35/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Audio & Video Technology at Iowa Western Community College?
This program scores 35/100 — on the lower end for Audio & Video Technology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Should I worry about AI if I study Audio & Video Technology at Iowa Western Community College?
AI won't eliminate Audio & Video Technology careers, but it may reshape them. At Iowa Western Community College, a score of 35/100 already accounts for the 50% task exposure — the ROI calculation factors in reduced employment probability.
Can I learn Audio & Video Technology through an apprenticeship instead of Iowa Western Community College?
There are 10 registered apprenticeships connected to Audio & Video Technology occupations, such as Audio Operator and Camera Operator. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →