Cedar Rapids vs Fort Dodge: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Fort Dodge, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Fort Dodge, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,032▲ | $57,043 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.82▲ | $27.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,986▲ | $45,803 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,429 | $52,905▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,553▲ | $71,242 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,097 | $86,236▲ |
| Total Employed | 980▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Dodge.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Fort Dodge is $4,989 (8.75%). Cedar Rapids's median is -3.97% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $32,111,Fort Dodge spans $40,433. Fort Dodge has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced elementary school teachers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cedar Rapids ($69,728 effective) pays 10.50% more than Fort Dodge ($63,101 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,032/year)
- ✓Larger job market (980 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,728)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Dodge if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,236)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 15.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.8% growth in Fort Dodge over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$53,260 (2019) → $61,430 (2025)
Fort Dodge, IA
$51,448 (2024) → $56,489 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Fort Dodge, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Cedar Rapids or Fort Dodge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and Fort Dodge?
Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to Fort Dodge as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Cedar Rapids vs Fort Dodge?
Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov