Teacher / K-12.
Des Moines.
$46,000
median salary, 15% below the national average
$34,000 to $60,000. Last updated April 2026.
Get the job.
Data points to own the conversation.
Des Moines is 14% cheaper than the national average. For Teacher / K-12s, that shakes out to a median of $46,000, with the full range spanning $34,000 to $60,000. State and district funding levels, subject area specialization, and years of experience on the salary schedule create the widest pay differences. Know the range before you walk in.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $41,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$30,000
to $37,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$39,000
to $48,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$51,000
to $60,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$58,000
to $71,000
Salary trend
+7% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $11,000 to the total package.
Base
$46,000
Equity
$6,000
Bonus
$4,000
Signing
$1,000
Estimated total: $57,000
How Des Moines compares
Des Moines, IA
$46,000
Cost of living: 14% below average
National Average
$54,000
Des Moines is $8,000 below
Teacher / K-12 salary by city
Salary by role in Des Moines
What you should know
Here is what the Teacher / K-12 market actually looks like in Des Moines. Des Moines is a major insurance and financial services hub, home to Principal Financial, EMC Insurance, and a growing fintech community. The city's extremely low cost of living and strong job market make it one of the best value cities for finance professionals. State and district funding levels, subject area specialization, and years of experience on the salary schedule create the widest pay differences. STEM and special education teachers in high-cost-of-living districts earn the most. National Board Certification adds a stipend in many states.
First-year teachers earn $40,000 to $48,000 depending on state. Teachers with 10 to 15 years and a master's degree reach $55,000 to $65,000. Department Heads and Master Teachers earn $65,000 to $80,000, while Principals and Administrators command $85,000 to $120,000. In Des Moines, your dollars stretch further. Cost of living runs 14% below the national average, which means even a median salary buys a stronger lifestyle.
Base salary is not the full picture. Benefits packages including pension plans, health insurance, and summer break add significant non-salary value often worth $15,000 to $25,000. Many teachers supplement income with tutoring, coaching stipends, or summer programs adding $3,000 to $10,000. And on the tax side: iowa has a flat 3.8% state income tax. Des Moines has no city income tax. The low rate and affordable housing create strong purchasing power. When someone quotes you $46,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Benchmark against national insurance industry pay scales. Des Moines insurance employers compete with remote offers from larger metros. The range for Teacher / K-12s in Des Moines runs from $34,000 to $60,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A Welder in Des Moines earns $45,000 (2% less)
- The highest-paying role in Des Moines is Distinguished Engineer at $295,000
Common questions.
Teacher / K-12 salary in other cities
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