English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary Salary in Des Moines, IA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Median annual salary $59,580 -23.9% vs national
Median hourly —
10th percentile $49,390
90th percentile $111,810
Employed locally 100
National median $78,270

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English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
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Des Moines, IA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $49,390
    25th
    $50,790
    50th (median)
    $59,580
    75th
    $81,260
    90th
    $111,810

    Des Moines economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $84,209 2023 • Census ACS
    English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary salary vs area income 71% Median English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary salary is 29% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA $168,240
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $142,150
    El Paso, TX $139,410
    San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA $136,320
    Visalia, CA $133,660
    Fresno, CA $133,160

    Nearby metros — English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Visalia, CA $133,660
    California $130,580
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $129,620
    North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area $128,350
    Columbia, SC $91,240
    Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO $81,190

    Related occupations in Des Moines, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $33,280
    Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $57,060
    Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $59,950
    Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $38,760
    Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $30,230
    Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $59,180

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary make per hour in Des Moines?

    The median hourly wage for English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary in Des Moines, IA is —, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make — or more per hour.

    Is Des Moines above or below average for English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary salaries?

    The median English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary salary in Des Moines, IA is 23.9% below the national median of $78,270. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary in Des Moines?

    Entry-level English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary (10th percentile) earn around $49,390 per year in Des Moines, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $50,790.