Elementary School Teacher Salary in Urbandale, IA: $59,374 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Urbandale, IA earns a median $59,374/year (≈ $28.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Urbandale's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $65,679 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Urbandale, Iowa, the prospects for elementary school teachers show a promising median annual salary of $59,374 in 2026, which reflects a slight dip compared to the national median of $64,597. Salaries range from approximately $47,031 at the lower end (P10) to $92,030 for those at the top (P90), with structured increments tied to experience and educational qualifications playing a crucial role in this distribution. Additionally, certain positions in high-demand areas, particularly those related to special education, STEM, and bilingual education, may offer supplementary stipends that can enhance the base salary significantly. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments reveal a competitive landscape, making Urbandale's job market for educators noteworthy, especially for those with expertise in these critical shortage areas.
About the Urbandale Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,031 | $22.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,823 | $26.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,374 | $28.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,643 | $35.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,030 | $44.25 |
Median Salary Position
8.09% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Urbandale
In Urbandale, IA, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,999 (2026 est.). At $59,374, the local median is 8.09% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Urbandale: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Urbandale Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Urbandale median: $59,374/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Urbandale Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $62,172 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | -8.09% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Urbandale, IA earn a median of $59,374 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.09% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 4.50% below the Iowa state average of $62,172.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Urbandale 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.
Urbandale, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $59,374 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,679 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,846
2025 BLS Actual
$58,798
2026 Current Est.
$59,374
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Urbandale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,846 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,013 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,436 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,702 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,531 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,551 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,798 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,374 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,956 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Urbandale metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $54,846 (2019) to $58,798 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,956 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,110 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Urbandale 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) | $47,031 – $54,823 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,823 – $59,374 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,374 – $74,643 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,643 – $92,030 |
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 Urbandale
The employment scenario for elementary school teachers in Urbandale features twelve professionals currently in the field, suggesting a small but stable market. The cost of living index at 90.4 indicates that overall housing and living expenses are below the national average, which could contribute to higher net take-home pay. Among local employers, public school districts typically provide the most comprehensive compensation structures, following the traditional step-and-lane scale, which calculates pay based on years of service and degrees earned. In contrast, charter schools may offer varied pay rates, often contingent on performance metrics and additional responsibilities. Strategies for maximizing earnings in Urbandale include pursuing National Board Certification, considering summer school contracts, and seeking positions that offer additional stipends for roles in high-need subject areas. Understanding these dynamics can help educators make informed decisions about their career paths in this promising market.
More salary data for Urbandale, 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 $58,798 for elementary school teachersin the Urbandale 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 Urbandale 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