📚 Elementary School Teacher Salary
Elementary School Teacher Salary in Des Moines, IA (2026)
Elementary school teachers instruct students in grades K–6 in public and private schools.
Median Annual Salary
$60,490
in Des Moines · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$65,711
adjusted for local cost of living
Elementary School Teachers in Des Moines
The median annual salary for a Elementary School Teacher in Des Moines, IA is $60,490 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $5,041/month or $29/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($77,950), Des Moines pays 22% less than the typical city.
Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92.1 (US average = 100), so your salary goes further here than the nominal figure suggests. In inflation-adjusted terms, $60,490 in Des Moines is equivalent to $65,711 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the Des Moines metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Elementary School Teachers by Salary
| Rank | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oakland, CA | $103,520 |
| 2 | Berkeley, CA | $103,520 |
| 3 | San Francisco, CA | $103,520 |
| 4 | Melbourne, FL | $102,960 |
| 5 | Palm City, FL | $102,960 |
| 6 | Titusville, FL | $102,960 |
| 7 | Palm Bay, FL | $102,960 |
| 8 | Ontario, CA | $97,240 |
| 9 | San Bernardino, CA | $97,240 |
| 10 | Riverside, CA | $97,240 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Des Moines
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $112,790 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $76,830 |
| ⚡Electrician | $66,280 |
| 📊Accountant | $80,440 |
Full cost of living profile for Des Moines
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Des Moines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Elementary School Teacher salary in Des Moines?
The median annual salary for a Elementary School Teacher in Des Moines, IA is $60,490 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Des Moines Elementary School Teacher pay compare nationally?
Des Moines Elementary School Teacher pay ($60,490) is 22% below the median across surveyed cities ($77,950).
Does cost of living affect Elementary School Teacher salaries in Des Moines?
Yes. Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92.1 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $60,490 salary in Des Moines has the purchasing power of approximately $65,711 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology