Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn a median of $61,650 a year, based on BLS data for 3,640 workers.
Pay ranges from $46,090 for the lowest-paid 10% to $79,610 for the top 10%. That is 4% lower than the national median of $63,970. Pay here is 2% higher than the Iowa statewide median of $60,580. There are 9.0 elementary school teachers, except special education per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $59,400, close to the median.
Pay range for elementary school teachers, except special education in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $46,090 |
| 25th percentile | $49,630 |
| Median | $61,650 |
| 75th percentile | $64,000 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $79,610 |
| Average (mean) | $59,400 |
Half of elementary school teachers, except special education earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $5,137.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,568.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,371.15 |
| Weekly | $1,185.58 |
BLS publishes only yearly pay for this job, because elementary school teachers, except special education are usually paid a salary and may not work a full 2,080-hour year. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $61,650 salary, see how much house you can afford in Iowa at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE-IA | $62,670 | 4,030 |
| Ames, IA | $62,430 | 440 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $62,270 | 890 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $61,650 | 1,760 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $61,430 | 980 |
| Iowa City, IA | $60,870 | 760 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $60,780 | 890 |
| Dubuque, IA | $57,840 | 560 |
Highest-paying states for elementary school teachers, except special education
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $102,350 |
| California | $99,650 |
| District of Columbia | $96,580 |
| Massachusetts | $94,000 |
| Rhode Island | $90,930 |
| New York | $85,760 |
| Connecticut | $80,600 |
| Alaska | $79,260 |
| New Jersey | $78,200 |
| Maryland | $77,680 |
See Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education pay in every state or the Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
More: Educational Instruction and Library Occupations · all salaries in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 25-2021. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a elementary school teachers, except special education make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median salary for elementary school teachers, except special education in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area is $61,650 a year. Pay ranges from $46,090 for the lowest-paid 10% to $79,610 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid elementary school teachers, except special education make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The top 10% of elementary school teachers, except special education in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn at least $79,610 a year. The top 25% earn $64,000 or more.
What is the starting pay for elementary school teachers, except special education in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $46,090 a year, and a quarter of elementary school teachers, except special education earn $49,630 or less.
How many elementary school teachers, except special education work in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
About 3,640 elementary school teachers, except special education are employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.