Elementary School Teacher Salary in Cedar Falls, IA: $62,684 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Cedar Falls, IA earns a median $62,684/year (≈ $30.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Cedar Falls's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $69,341 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cedar Falls, Iowa, the projected median annual salary for elementary school teachers in 2026 is set at $62,684, which is slightly below the national median of $64,597. The local salary range spans from $46,353 at the 10th percentile to $97,157 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for the region's cost of living, which is below the national average with a cost of living index of 90.4. To attract qualified educators, especially in special education, STEM, and bilingual areas, local districts may offer additional stipends, enhancing the overall compensation package. This competitive salary environment reflects the nuanced job market in Cedar Falls, where demand for skilled teachers can influence pay dynamics.
About the Cedar Falls Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,353 | $22.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,260 | $28.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,684 | $30.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,792 | $37.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,157 | $46.71 |
Median Salary Position
2.96% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cedar Falls
In Cedar Falls, IA, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,804 (2026 est.). At $62,684, the local median is 2.96% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cedar Falls: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cedar Falls Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Cedar Falls median: $62,684/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cedar Falls Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $62,125 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $64,597 | -2.96% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Cedar Falls, IA earn a median of $62,684 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.96% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 0.90% above the Iowa state average of $62,125.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cedar Falls has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cedar Falls, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $62,684 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,341 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,903
2025 BLS Actual
$62,076
2026 Current Est.
$62,684
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Cedar Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,903 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,136 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,582 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,864 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,795 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,526 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,076 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,684 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,299 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cedar Falls metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $57,903 (2019) to $62,076 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,299 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,396 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar Falls 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $46,353 – $59,260 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,260 – $62,684 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,684 – $77,792 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,792 – $97,157 |
Teacher salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual elementary school teacher compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Elementary School Teacher Job Market in Cedar Falls
Examining the job market reveals eight elementary school teachers currently employed in Cedar Falls, indicating a relatively stable job environment for educators. While the cost of living is lower than average, the take-home purchasing power can be favorable for teachers in this area. The strongest employers include local K-12 public school districts, which typically adhere to a step-and-lane pay structure based on years of experience and educational attainment. Factors driving salary differences include specialized shortage area stipends, opportunities for summer school contracts, and tutoring or coaching fees. To maximize earning potential, teachers might consider pursuing National Board Certification, obtaining higher degrees, or bridging into high-demand areas such as STEM or special education. These strategies can significantly enhance elementary school teacher pay in Cedar Falls, IA.
More salary data for Cedar Falls, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $62,076 for elementary school teachersin the Cedar Falls metropolitan area. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cedar Falls 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