Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Salary in Des Moines, IA

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

Median annual salary $30,230 -18.6% vs national
Median hourly $14.54
10th percentile $28,170
90th percentile $45,510
Employed locally 1,650
National median $37,120

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Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
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Des Moines, IA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $28,170
    25th
    $28,870
    50th (median)
    $30,230
    75th
    $35,340
    90th
    $45,510

    Des Moines economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $84,209 2023 • Census ACS
    Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary vs area income 36% Median Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary is 64% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area $61,180
    Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area $60,480
    Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ $59,110
    Vineland, NJ $58,830
    South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area $58,520
    Alaska nonmetropolitan area $55,060

    Nearby metros — Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Omaha, NE-IA $49,260
    North Georgia nonmetropolitan area $48,220
    Alexandria, LA $46,930
    Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area $46,590
    East Georgia nonmetropolitan area $45,990
    California $45,880

    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
    Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $59,180
    Self-Enrichment Teachers $35,640

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education make per hour in Des Moines?

    The median hourly wage for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Des Moines, IA is $14.54, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $22.59 or more per hour.

    Is Des Moines above or below average for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salaries?

    The median Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Des Moines, IA is 18.6% below the national median of $37,120. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Des Moines?

    Entry-level Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education (10th percentile) earn around $28,170 per year in Des Moines, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $28,870.