Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
In Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, elementary school teachers, except special educations earn $57,060 at the median. The range runs from $38K at the entry level to $77K for experienced workers. Cost of living is below average (RPP 91.7), which stretches that salary to about $62,225 in buying power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,318/month — about 35.2% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $57K get you in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
About elementary school teachers, except special educations
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Entry-level elementary school teachers, except special educations (10th percentile) start around $38K. Mid-career wages sit at $57K.Top earners bring in $77K or more - a $39K spread from bottom to top.
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $99K | +59% | 30,790 |
| California | $98K | +58% | 141,650 |
| District of Columbia | $95K | +52% | 3,540 |
| Rhode Island | $87K | +39% | 4,080 |
| Massachusetts | $83K | +34% | 32,100 |
| New York | $82K | +32% | 103,920 |
| Connecticut | $79K | +26% | 16,260 |
| New Jersey | $77K | +24% | 42,360 |
| Alaska | $76K | +22% | 3,380 |
| Oregon | $76K | +22% | 13,760 |
| Maryland | $75K | +20% | 32,330 |
| Pennsylvania | $74K | +19% | 47,220 |
| Delaware | $66K | +6% | 2,540 |
| New Mexico | $66K | +5% | 7,480 |
| Ohio | $65K | +5% | 50,110 |
Track elementary school teachers, except special education salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Des Moines-West Des Moines numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do elementary school teachers, except special educations make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median is $57,060 a year. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $38,310, and experienced elementary school teachers, except special educations can clear $77,080. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $57K enough to live in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,755/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,318/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 35.1% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a elementary school teachers, except special education salary go in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
Des Moines-West Des Moines has a Regional Price Parity of 91.7 (100 is the national average). That's below average - your money stretches further here than the raw salary number suggests. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median elementary school teachers, except special education salary is worth about $62,225 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do elementary school teachers, except special educations get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.