Entry-Level Elementary School Teacher Salary in Marshalltown, IA: $46,641 (2026)
Quick Answer:New elementary school teachers entering the Marshalltown, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,641 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 25-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Marshalltown's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,594 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,186) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates seeking positions in Marshalltown, IA as elementary school teachers can anticipate an entry-level salary starting at approximately $46,641. While this figure sits below the city median annual salary of $59,186, it is essential for early-career professionals to understand the growth potential in this field. Entering teachers can look forward to gradual pay increases, with many reaching around $53,109 within their first few years. Despite being lower than the national average of $64,597, the overall salary growth and the relatively accessible living costs in Marshalltown make it a viable option for new grads looking to launch their teaching careers. The city's strong demand for educators creates an encouraging environment for those just beginning their professional journey.
About the Marshalltown Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Marshalltown
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 Marshalltown
Entry-level elementary school teachers in Marshalltown, IA typically start between $46,641 and $53,109 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $45,098 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,186 — 8.38% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average education program cost in Iowa of $45,000 represents just 96.48% of the starting elementary school teacher pay ($46,641/year) in Marshalltown. 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 Marshalltown
- 1Research the Marshalltown market: entry-level elementary school teacher pay ranges from $46,641 to $53,109, 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 Marshalltown, 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 Marshalltown for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Marshalltown'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 Marshalltown is $45,098 ( 96.69%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,641, experienced hygienists can earn up to $91,739.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,578
2025 BLS Actual
$46,188
2026 Current Est.
$46,641
2019–2027 Growth
+25.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Marshalltown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,578 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,551 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,326 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,790 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,225 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,802 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,188 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,641 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,098 | Projected |
Entry-level elementary school teacher compensation (10th percentile) in Marshalltown, IA grew 22.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,578 in 2019 to $46,188 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,098. New graduates entering the Marshalltown job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marshalltown 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 Marshalltown
When considering employment prospects in Marshalltown, public school districts typically serve as the primary employers for new graduate elementary school teachers. Applicants usually navigate district-level hiring processes, which require state license verification. On the other hand, alternative education paths, such as those offered by charter networks like KIPP, or through programs such as Teach for America, enable aspiring teachers to enter classrooms with different credentials. Achieving a Bachelor's degree, completing a state-approved teacher preparation program, and acquiring a valid state teaching license is crucial to boost earnings. Fortunately, public school salaries follow a step-and-lane structure, allowing educators to progress as they gain experience and education. In the first few years of teaching, new grads should see salary advancements through professional development, with added stipends available for educators in high-need areas such as special education or STEM, making the initial salary trajectory a reasonable expectation in Marshalltown's teaching landscape.
More salary data for Marshalltown, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for elementary school teachers in Marshalltown in 2026?
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Is education school worth it in Marshalltown?
What do new elementary school teachers make right out of school in Marshalltown?
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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 Marshalltown. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Marshalltown is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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