Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary in Des Moines, IA

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

Median annual salary $52,180 -17.2% vs national
Median hourly —
10th percentile $45,940
90th percentile $71,450
Employed locally 440
National median $63,000

Compare Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary & buying power

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Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School
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Des Moines, IA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $45,940
    25th
    $49,180
    50th (median)
    $52,180
    75th
    $62,390
    90th
    $71,450

    Des Moines economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $84,209 2023 • Census ACS
    Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary vs area income 62% Median Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary is 38% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA $112,850
    Visalia, CA $102,630
    El Centro, CA $100,980
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $99,170
    Fresno, CA $98,550
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $98,050

    Nearby metros — Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Visalia, CA $102,630
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $99,170
    California $90,530
    North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area $83,270
    District of Columbia $82,400
    Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA $80,090

    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 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School make per hour in Des Moines?

    The median hourly wage for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School 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 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salaries?

    The median Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Des Moines, IA is 17.2% below the national median of $63,000. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Des Moines?

    Entry-level Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School (10th percentile) earn around $45,940 per year in Des Moines, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $49,180.