Entry-Level Elementary School Teacher Salary in Des Moines, IA: $46,542 (2026)
Quick Answer:New elementary school teachers entering the Des Moines, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,542 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 25-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Des Moines's local price level (BEA RPP 91.7 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,754 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,254) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
The starting elementary school teacher salary in Des Moines, IA, presents a realistic snapshot for new graduates stepping into their first roles in education. With an entry-level pay of $46,542, many newcomers may find themselves at a significant distance from the city’s median salary of $62,254, highlighting the financial challenges in their initial years. However, there is a growth trajectory available, as the salary can increase to approximately $50,116 within the first few years, ultimately reaching the median at $62,254 as teachers gain experience and skill. Des Moines appears to be a favorable market for new graduates, with a modest growth rate of 0.98% expected over the next five years, indicating stability in employment and salary expectations for those starting their careers in education.
Career Earnings Timeline in Des Moines
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
Entry-level elementary school teachers in Des Moines, IA typically start between $46,542 and $50,116 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $33,848 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,254 — 3.63% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average education program cost in Iowa of $45,000 represents just 96.69% of the starting elementary school teacher pay ($46,542/year) in Des Moines. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover CAEP-accredited undergraduate education programs. Many states require a master's degree within a defined period after initial licensure. Testing costs (Praxis, state-specific exams) are additional.
Teacher Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Des Moines
- 1Research the Des Moines market: entry-level elementary school teacher pay ranges from $46,542 to $50,116, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the education field — employers in IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Des Moines, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Des Moines for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Des Moines's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Elementary School Teacher Compensation Range
The elementary school teacher wage spread in Des Moines is $33,848 ( 72.73%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,542, experienced hygienists can earn up to $80,390.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,170
2025 BLS Actual
$46,090
2026 Current Est.
$46,542
2019–2027 Growth
+17.0%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,170 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,520 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,270 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,890 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,280 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,310 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,090 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,542 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,998 | Projected |
Entry-level elementary school teacher compensation (10th percentile) in Des Moines, IA grew 14.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,170 in 2019 to $46,090 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $46,998. New graduates entering the Des Moines job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 0.98% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your education Career in Des Moines
In Des Moines, public school districts are typically the largest employers for new elementary teachers, relying on district-level applications and state license verification for their hiring processes. Many recent graduates opt for positions in these established systems, but alternative pathways exist as well; charter schools like KIPP often recruit through non-traditional certification programs. To maximize starting pay, obtaining a state teaching license, completing a bachelor's degree in education, and passing required exams are essential steps. Furthermore, pursuing a Master's degree or National Board Certification can lead to higher pay scales and greater job security. In the initial years of teaching, new educators should anticipate gradual salary increases, typically following the district's step-and-lane scale, reaching salaries near the median as they gain experience. For those committed to specialty roles like special education or STEM, additional stipends may further enhance earnings, making Des Moines a promising environment for emerging educators in 2026.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new education graduates. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Des Moines. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.98%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for elementary school teachers (SOC 25-2021).
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