Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn a median of $59,370 a year, based on BLS data for 210 workers.
Pay ranges from $47,380 for the lowest-paid 10% to $75,870 for the top 10%. That is 5% lower than the national median of $62,680. Pay here is 2% higher than the Iowa statewide median of $58,420. There are 0.53 kindergarten teachers, except special education per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.76). The average (mean) salary is $59,300, close to the median.
Pay range for kindergarten teachers, except special education in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $47,380 |
| 25th percentile | $49,470 |
| Median | $59,370 |
| 75th percentile | $71,100 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $75,870 |
| Average (mean) | $59,300 |
Half of kindergarten 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 | $4,947.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,473.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,283.46 |
| Weekly | $1,141.73 |
BLS publishes only yearly pay for this job, because kindergarten 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 $59,370 salary, see how much house you can afford in Iowa at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $63,360 | 130 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $61,870 | 510 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $61,260 | 170 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $60,530 | 60 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $58,920 | 50 |
| Dubuque, IA | $52,490 | 30 |
| Iowa City, IA | $49,880 | 50 |
Highest-paying states for kindergarten teachers, except special education
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $99,960 |
| Connecticut | $90,030 |
| Rhode Island | $85,470 |
| Massachusetts | $84,100 |
| California | $82,550 |
| District of Columbia | $81,500 |
| New York | $77,630 |
| Maryland | $75,910 |
| Minnesota | $75,500 |
| New Mexico | $74,380 |
See Kindergarten 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 25-2012. 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 kindergarten teachers, except special education make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median salary for kindergarten teachers, except special education in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area is $59,370 a year. Pay ranges from $47,380 for the lowest-paid 10% to $75,870 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid kindergarten teachers, except special education make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The top 10% of kindergarten teachers, except special education in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn at least $75,870 a year. The top 25% earn $71,100 or more.
What is the starting pay for kindergarten teachers, except special education in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $47,380 a year, and a quarter of kindergarten teachers, except special education earn $49,470 or less.
How many kindergarten teachers, except special education work in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
About 210 kindergarten teachers, except special education are employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.