Special Education Teachers, Middle School salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Special Education Teachers, Middle School in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn a median of $63,890 a year, based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $46,250 for the lowest-paid 10% to $77,850 for the top 10%. That is 4% lower than the national median of $66,810. Pay here is about the same as the Iowa statewide median of $63,590. The average (mean) salary is $61,820, close to the median.
Pay range for special education teachers, middle school in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $46,250 |
| 25th percentile | $49,200 |
| Median | $63,890 |
| 75th percentile | $64,590 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $77,850 |
| Average (mean) | $61,820 |
Half of special education teachers, middle school 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 | $5,324.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,662.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,457.31 |
| Weekly | $1,228.65 |
BLS publishes only yearly pay for this job, because special education teachers, middle school 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 $63,890 salary, see how much house you can afford in Iowa at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Special Education Teachers, Middle School salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE-IA | $73,870 | 260 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $73,110 | 50 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $64,100 | 200 |
| Iowa City, IA | $62,860 | 50 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $62,820 | 140 |
Highest-paying states for special education teachers, middle school
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| California | $101,530 |
| Washington | $99,520 |
| Rhode Island | $93,970 |
| New York | $93,820 |
| Connecticut | $92,900 |
| Massachusetts | $84,550 |
| Alaska | $81,000 |
| District of Columbia | $79,170 |
| New Jersey | $79,110 |
| Utah | $78,920 |
See Special Education Teachers, Middle School 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 25-2057. 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 special education teachers, middle school make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median salary for special education teachers, middle school in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area is $63,890 a year. Pay ranges from $46,250 for the lowest-paid 10% to $77,850 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special education teachers, middle school make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The top 10% of special education teachers, middle school in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn at least $77,850 a year. The top 25% earn $64,590 or more.
What is the starting pay for special education teachers, middle school in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $46,250 a year, and a quarter of special education teachers, middle school earn $49,200 or less.