Elementary School Teacher Salary in West Des Moines, IA (2026)
Elementary school teachers instruct students in grades K–6 in public and private schools.
Median Annual Salary
$56,320
in West Des Moines · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$60,721
adjusted for local cost of living
Elementary School Teachers in West Des Moines
The median annual salary for a Elementary School Teacher in West Des Moines, IA is $56,320 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $4,693/month or $27/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($73,980), West Des Moines pays 24% less than the typical city.
West Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92.8 (US average = 100), so your salary goes further here than the nominal figure suggests. In inflation-adjusted terms, $56,320 in West Des Moines is equivalent to $60,721 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 West Des Moines metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Elementary School Teachers by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seattle, WA | $97,740 |
| 2 | Bellevue, WA | $97,740 |
| 3 | Tacoma, WA | $97,740 |
| 4 | Los Angeles, CA | $97,460 |
| 5 | Long Beach, CA | $97,460 |
| 6 | Anaheim, CA | $97,460 |
| 7 | Midland, TX | $97,360 |
| 8 | Berkeley, CA | $96,460 |
| 9 | San Francisco, CA | $96,460 |
| 10 | Oakland, CA | $96,460 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in West Des Moines
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $119,860 |
| Registered Nurse | $79,650 |
| Electrician | $67,140 |
| Accountant | $83,750 |
Full cost of living profile for West Des Moines
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for West Des Moines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Elementary School Teacher salary in West Des Moines?
The median annual salary for a Elementary School Teacher in West Des Moines, IA is $56,320 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does West Des Moines Elementary School Teacher pay compare nationally?
West Des Moines Elementary School Teacher pay ($56,320) is 24% below the median across surveyed cities ($73,980).
Does cost of living affect Elementary School Teacher salaries in West Des Moines?
Yes. West Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92.8 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $56,320 salary in West Des Moines has the purchasing power of approximately $60,721 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology