Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
The median pay for a secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $59,950/year, per BLS data. The range runs from $45K at the entry level to $78K for experienced workers. Cost of living is below average (RPP 91.7), which stretches that salary to about $65,376 in buying power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,318/month — about 33.5% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $60K get you in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
About secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical educations
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Entry-level secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical educations (10th percentile) start around $45K. Mid-career wages sit at $60K.Top earners bring in $78K or more - a $32K spread from bottom to top.
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $100K | +54% | 14,730 |
| California | $99K | +53% | 96,050 |
| New York | $98K | +52% | 76,730 |
| Rhode Island | $89K | +38% | 5,030 |
| Massachusetts | $89K | +38% | 29,100 |
| New Jersey | $80K | +25% | 34,510 |
| Oregon | $80K | +23% | 10,640 |
| District of Columbia | $79K | +22% | 2,960 |
| Pennsylvania | $78K | +21% | 52,650 |
| Alaska | $78K | +20% | 2,780 |
| Connecticut | $77K | +20% | 15,410 |
| Maryland | $77K | +19% | 18,140 |
| Illinois | $77K | +19% | 47,890 |
| Ohio | $77K | +19% | 51,470 |
| Delaware | $75K | +17% | 5,410 |
Track secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical 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 secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical educations make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median is $59,950 a year. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $45,130, and experienced secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical educations can clear $77,620. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $60K enough to live in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,935/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,318/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 33.5% 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 secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical 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 secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education salary is worth about $65,376 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical 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.