Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary in Iowa
The median pay for a special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Iowa is $55,350/year, per BLS data. The range runs from $44K at the entry level to $72K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Iowa. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $55K get you in Iowa?
About special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary schools
Sponsored links — AffordMap may earn a commission at no cost to you. Learn more
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Iowa
Entry-level special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary schools (10th percentile) start around $44K. Mid-career wages sit at $55K. Top earners bring in $72K or more, a $28K spread from bottom to top.
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary by metro in Iowa
8 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ames | $61K | +10% | 50 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | $60K | +8% | 260 |
| Dubuque | $59K | +6% | 60 |
| Cedar Rapids | $59K | +6% | 130 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | $58K | +5% | 110 |
| Iowa City | $58K | +5% | 90 |
| Sioux City | $55K | -1% | 130 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | $52K | -6% | 440 |
Compare to other states
Track special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Iowa numbers change.
Related careers in Education
Frequently asked questions
How much do special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary schools make in Iowa?
The median is $55,350 a year, that works out to about $0 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $44,020, and experienced special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary schools can clear $72,410. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $55K enough to live in Iowa?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,648/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,064/month, which eats 29.2% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school salary go in Iowa?
Iowa has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school salary is worth about $62,289 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary schools 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.