Entry-Level Elementary School Teacher Salary in Sioux City, IA: $47,279 (2026)
Quick Answer:New elementary school teachers entering the Sioux City, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,279 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 25-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sioux City's local price level (BEA RPP 86.5 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,687 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,880) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates pursuing an entry-level position as an elementary school teacher in Sioux City can expect a starting salary around $47,279. For many new hires, this initial pay may feel significantly lower than the city's median of $62,880, which highlights the financial realities of starting in this profession. However, there is a reliable growth trajectory within the first few years; most teachers can anticipate moving from the 10th percentile to at least the 25th percentile, earning $50,238 and potentially reaching the median salary as they gain experience. With a growth rate of 0.98% projected annually, Sioux City is currently a favorable market for new graduates, presenting opportunities for job stability amidst a competitive educational landscape.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sioux City
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 Sioux City
Entry-level elementary school teachers in Sioux City, IA typically start between $47,279 and $50,238 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,394 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,880 — 2.66% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average education program cost in Iowa of $45,000 represents just 95.18% of the starting elementary school teacher pay ($47,279/year) in Sioux City. 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 Sioux City
- 1Research the Sioux City market: entry-level elementary school teacher pay ranges from $47,279 to $50,238, 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 Sioux City, 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 Sioux City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sioux City'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 Sioux City is $32,394 ( 68.52%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,279, experienced hygienists can earn up to $79,673.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,230
2025 BLS Actual
$46,820
2026 Current Est.
$47,279
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Sioux City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,230 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,360 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,870 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,280 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,810 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,880 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,820 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,279 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,742 | Projected |
Entry-level elementary school teacher compensation (10th percentile) in Sioux City, IA grew 25.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,230 in 2019 to $46,820 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,742. New graduates entering the Sioux City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sioux City 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 Sioux City
Employers in Sioux City that actively hire recent graduates primarily consist of local public school districts, which recruit through district-level applications alongside state license verification. In addition, alternative certification pathways, such as those offered by charter networks and programs like Teach for America, present viable options for new teachers aiming to work in high-need schools. To increase starting pay in Iowa, candidates should ensure they possess a Bachelor's degree, complete a state-approved teacher preparation program, and obtain necessary licensure, along with passing required exams like the Praxis. Within the first few years, teachers can anticipate regular salary increases tied to the step-and-lane scale based on experience and educational credentials. Although entry-level salaries may vary with local context, the potential for steady advancement makes Sioux City an appealing option for aspiring educators.
More salary data for Sioux City, 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 Sioux City. 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