Senior Elementary School Teacher Salary in Marshalltown, IA: $91,739 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of elementary school teachers working in Marshalltown, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $91,739/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 25-2021. Strip back Marshalltown's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $101,481 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Marshalltown, IA, the potential for experienced elementary school teachers to earn a top-tier salary is significant, with the 2026 90th percentile pay reaching $91,739. This figure places Marshalltown's top earners just below national standards, as the U.S. median for experienced elementary educators stands at $64,597. A noteworthy aspect of senior elementary school teacher pay in Marshalltown is the substantial gap between the median annual salary of $59,186 and the highest earners, indicating lucrative opportunities for professionals who leverage their experience effectively. Those aiming for the upper end of the salary range typically need to pursue advanced professional development, specialized training in high-demand subjects, or take on leadership roles that enhance their competitive edge in the local job market.
About the Marshalltown Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marshalltown
Experienced elementary school teachers at the top of the pay scale in Marshalltown earn between $74,234 and $91,739 per year (2026 est.). This $45,098 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Marshalltown median of $59,186 sits 8.38% below the US median.
Top Teacher Salary Comparison
| Level | Marshalltown | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $59,186 | $64,597 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,234 | $82,248 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $91,739 | $105,363 |
In Marshalltown, experienced elementary school teachers (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Elementary School Teacher Pay in Marshalltown
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA elementary school teachers with additional specialty certifications within the education field earn significantly above the $59,186 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Marshalltown employers.
Specialty Focus
Elementary School Teachers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the education field in Marshalltown command premium compensation, often reaching the $74,234–$91,739 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Marshalltown metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced elementary school teachers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured elementary school teachers in Marshalltown with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Elementary School Teachers in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Elementary School Teacher Career & Wage Growth Path in Marshalltown
Clinical Elementary School Teacher
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Elementary School Teacher
5-10 yearsElementary School Teacher Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMarshalltown ranks #9 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner elementary school teacher salary (90th percentile: $91,739).
Top 10% elementary school teacher compensation in Marshalltown ($91,739) is 14.46% above the Iowa average P90 ($80,152).
2019 BLS Actual
$85,242
2025 BLS Actual
$90,849
2026 Current Est.
$91,739
2019–2027 Growth
+8.7%
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 | $85,242 | Actual |
| 2020 | $87,488 | Actual |
| 2021 | $86,565 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,211 | Actual |
| 2023 | $90,936 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,741 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,849 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,739 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,638 | Projected |
Top-earning elementary school teachers (90th percentile) in Marshalltown saw their compensation grow 6.6% from $85,242 in 2019 to $90,849 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 0.98% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $92,638 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Elementary School Teacher Earnings in Marshalltown
Distinct specialties significantly influence compensation for senior educators in Marshalltown. Areas like STEM education, special education, or teaching English Language Learners often command premium pay due to chronic shortages in these fields. For instance, working in the realm of gifted and talented programs or holding a position as an instructional coach can lead to increased earnings. Compensation also varies based on the type of educational institution; K-12 public districts tend to adhere to structured step-and-lane pay scales, while charter schools may offer varied pay packages based on performance expectations. For those looking to advance, pathways exist from classroom teacher to administrative roles like assistant principal or even district administrator, with additional certification like National Board Certification enhancing salary potential. Furthermore, alternative compensation strategies, including stipends for teaching in shortage areas or summer school contracts, complete the landscape for senior elementary school teacher pay in IA.
More salary data for Marshalltown, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced elementary school teachers make in Marshalltown in 2026?
What drives higher elementary school teacher pay in Marshalltown?
What certifications boost elementary school teacher salary in Marshalltown?
Can experienced elementary school teachers make six figures in Marshalltown?
How much does elementary school teacher salary increase over time 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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $90,849 for elementary school teachers in the Marshalltown metro area. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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