Elementary School Teacher Salary in Muscatine, IA: $58,038 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Muscatine, IA earns a median $58,038/year (≈ $27.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Muscatine's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $64,201 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Muscatine, Iowa, the projected median annual salary for elementary school teachers in 2026 is $58,038, reflecting a competitive yet moderate earnings landscape compared to the national median of $64,597. The local salary range appears to span from $48,286 at the 10th percentile to $89,601 at the 90th percentile, revealing significant variability based on experience and education. Factors such as district step-and-lane pay scales often dictate compensation, with placements for master's degrees and additional credits like master's+30 playing a pivotal role in advancing salary levels. As a result, those seeking opportunities in elementary education in Muscatine can expect to earn competitive salaries that directly impact the appeal and retention of educators in the community.
About the Muscatine Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,286 | $23.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,052 | $26.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,038 | $27.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,405 | $34.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,601 | $43.08 |
Median Salary Position
10.15% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Muscatine
In Muscatine, IA, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,315 (2026 est.). At $58,038, the local median is 10.15% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Muscatine: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Muscatine Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Muscatine median: $58,038/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Muscatine Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $62,139 | -6.60% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | -10.15% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Muscatine, IA earn a median of $58,038 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.15% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 6.60% below the Iowa state average of $62,139.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Muscatine 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.
Muscatine, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $58,038 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,201 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,612
2025 BLS Actual
$57,475
2026 Current Est.
$58,038
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Muscatine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,612 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,753 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,166 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,426 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,214 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,346 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,475 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,038 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,607 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Muscatine metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $53,612 (2019) to $57,475 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,607 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,995 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Muscatine 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) | $48,286 – $55,052 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,052 – $58,038 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,038 – $72,405 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,405 – $89,601 |
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 Muscatine
A limited pool of five elementary school teachers currently employed in Muscatine speaks to the area’s unique job market, where educational institutions have to balance offering attractive compensation against a cost-of-living index of 90.4, slightly below the national average. This lower cost-of-living can enhance purchasing power, although it may not keep pace with urgent housing or health care costs. In this environment, public school districts tend to be the primary employers, adhering to a set salary structure that values longevity and educational attainment. Disparities in pay may arise due to additional stipends for special education, bilingual, or STEM roles that are categorized as shortage areas. Additionally, teachers looking to maximize their earnings might benefit from pursuing advanced certifications such as National Board Certification or seeking additional summer school and after-school tutoring contracts. Efforts to enhance their qualifications can therefore translate into higher compensation and greater job satisfaction within Muscatine's educational framework.
More salary data for Muscatine, 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 $57,475 for elementary school teachersin the Muscatine 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 Muscatine 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