A Career Guide for Elementary School Teachers in Ankeny, IA

If you’re an elementary school teacher looking to relocate, Ankeny, Iowa, offers a compelling blend of affordability, community, and professional opportunity. As a local who knows the city’s rhythms—from the morning rush on I-35 to the weekend bustle at the Ankeny Farmers Market—this guide provides a data-driven, unvarnished look at what it’s really like to build a teaching career here.

The Salary Picture: Where Ankeny Stands

The financial picture for teachers in Ankeny is rooted in the broader Des Moines metro, but with key local nuances. The median salary for an Elementary School Teacher in the area is $62,275 per year, which breaks down to $29.94 per hour. This is slightly below the national average of $63,670 per year, a common pattern in the Midwest, but it’s bolstered by Iowa's relatively low cost of living.

Here’s how salaries typically progress with experience in the Ankeny Community School District (ACSD) and neighboring districts like Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS):

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Ankeny Area)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$45,000 - $52,000	Classroom management, mastering curriculum, establishing parent communication.
Mid-Level (4-9 years)	$53,000 - $68,000	Leading grade-level teams, mentoring student teachers, curriculum development.
Senior (10-19 years)	$69,000 - $80,000	Department chair (for specialists), leading professional development, district committees.
Expert (20+ years)	$81,000+	Master teacher, instructional coach, curriculum specialist roles.

When compared to other Iowa cities, Ankeny’s median teacher salary is competitive within the Des Moines metro but can be outpaced by larger districts or those with stronger union contracts.

Insider Tip: Ankeny’s growth as a Des Moines suburb means its schools are expanding. New hires often start with a signing bonus or relocation stipend, especially in high-need subjects. Always ask about this during negotiations.

Salaries in Context: Iowa's Major Metro Areas

City	Median Salary	10-Year Job Growth	Metro Population
Ankeny	$62,275	1%	74,455
Des Moines	$63,500 (est.)	~1%	214,155
Cedar Rapids	$60,800 (est.)	~0.5%	170,000
Iowa City	$61,200 (est.)	~1.5%	71,000

Note: Des Moines salary is an estimate for comparison. Ankeny benefits from being part of the Des Moines metro but with distinct school districts.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be direct: a $62,275 salary in Ankeny goes further than in many parts of the country. But what does your monthly budget actually look like?

Key Data Points:

• Ankeny Average 1BR Rent: $787/month
• Cost of Living Index: 92.7 (US avg = 100)
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay (after state & federal taxes, FICA, and IA retirement): ~$3,800/month

Sample Monthly Budget for an Elementary Teacher

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Salary	$5,189/month	$62,275 / 12
Take-Home Pay	$3,800/month	After deductions
Rent (1BR)	$787	Varies by neighborhood
Utilities	$150	Includes gas, electric, internet
Groceries	$300	Ankeny has affordable grocery options
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Essential; public transit is limited
Health Insurance	$150	Often covered by district, but check premiums
Retirement Savings	$250	Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS)
Discretionary	$1,713	For savings, entertainment, etc.
TOTAL	$3,800

Can you afford to buy a home? At this salary, yes. The median home price in Ankeny is around $285,000. With a $62,275 salary (and two incomes common among teacher households), a $240,000 starter home is very attainable with a standard down payment. Many teachers in Ankeny own homes, often in neighborhoods like Southview or Crestview, where prices are more moderate.

Insider Tip: Ankeny’s property taxes are lower than in many Iowa municipalities, which helps make homeownership more affordable. The school district’s reputation also boosts home values, making it a sound long-term investment.

Where the Jobs Are: Ankeny's Major Employers

While Ankeny Community School District (ACSD) is the largest employer for teachers, the city’s growth has created opportunities in surrounding districts and private institutions. Jobs in the metro are listed at 372, indicating steady demand. The 10-year job growth of 1% suggests stability rather than explosive growth, which means openings are often due to retirements, not rapid expansion.

Here are the key employers for elementary teachers:

1. Ankeny Community School District (ACSD): The largest employer, with 14 elementary schools. Key schools include Northeast Elementary, Southview Elementary, and Prairie Ridge Elementary. ACSD has a strong focus on STEM and literacy. Hiring is most active from March to June.
2. Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS): Ankeny borders Des Moines, and many teachers live in Ankeny while working for DMPS. The district offers higher pay but a more urban environment. Schools like Hubbell Elementary are nearby.
3. Ankeny Christian Academy: A private, faith-based school offering smaller class sizes and a different educational model. Salaries are typically lower than public schools, but benefits can be unique.
4. Iowa State University (ISU): While not a direct elementary school, ISU’s presence in the metro (a 30-minute drive to Ames) offers opportunities in early childhood education research and adult education.
5. Prairie Ridge Hospital: Located just south of Ankeny in Urbandale, this is the primary hospital for the metro. It’s not a school, but it’s a major employer that affects the local economy and housing market.
6. Ankeny Parks & Recreation: Offers after-school programs and summer camps, providing supplemental income and networking opportunities for teachers.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward multi-classroom teaching models and intervention specialists. ACSD actively seeks teachers with endorsements in English as a Second Language (ESL) and Special Education. The low 1% growth means you need to be proactive—network with principals and attend district job fairs.

Getting Licensed in Iowa

Iowa has clear, if bureaucratic, teacher licensing requirements. The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE) is your go-to source.

Steps and Costs:

1. Complete a Teacher Preparation Program: You must graduate from an approved program (in-state or out-of-state).
2. Pass Required Exams: This includes a basic skills test (like the Praxis Core) and subject-area tests (Praxis II).
3. Apply for Initial License: The BOEE application fee is $160 for the initial license. You will need to submit transcripts, test scores, and a criminal background check (~$75).
4. Timeline: From application to receiving your license, expect 6-8 weeks. It’s best to start the process 3-4 months before you want to begin teaching.

Out-of-State Reciprocity:

Iowa has reciprocity with many states, but you will still need to complete any Iowa-specific coursework (often just a short course on Iowa law and teaching standards) and submit to a background check. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

Insider Tip: The most critical endorsement for employability in Ankeny is Special Education (K-8). If you have this, you will be highly competitive. Also, a Reading Endorsement is valuable due to the district’s focus on literacy.

Best Neighborhoods for Elementary School Teachers

Living in Ankeny means choosing a neighborhood that balances your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are four top choices:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why It’s Great for Teachers
Downtown Ankeny	Walkable, historic, small-town feel. 5-10 min drive to any school.	$750 - $850	Close to parks, coffee shops, and community events. Easy to feel connected.
Southview	Established, family-oriented, quiet streets. 10-15 min drive to schools.	$700 - $800	Affordable homes, strong sense of community, near the popular Ankeny Dog Park.
Crestview	Newer development, modern homes, suburban feel. 10-15 min drive.	$800 - $950	Newer schools (like Crestview Elementary), parks, and easy access to I-35.
South Bridge	Upscale, newer, near commercial hubs. 10-15 min drive.	$850 - $1,100	Close to shopping (Target, grocery stores), restaurants, and newer amenities.

Insider Tip: If you want to avoid the winter commute, look for housing within 2 miles of your assigned school. In Ankeny, this often means living in the Southview or Crestview areas, which are centrally located.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 1% in the Ankeny metro indicates that career advancement will come from specialization and leadership, not from a flood of new positions. Here’s how to plan your path:

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Special Education (K-8): $5,000 - $8,000 annual premium over base salary.
• ESL Endorsement: $3,000 - $5,000 annual premium.
• STEM/Technology Integration: Growing need; positions as "Tech Coach" are emerging.
• Instructional Coach/Lead Teacher: Move out of the classroom but stay in the district. Requires 5+ years of experience and strong evaluation scores. Salary range: $70,000 - $85,000.
• Administration (Principal): Requires a Master’s degree and additional certification. Starting salary for a principal in Ankeny: $95,000+.

10-Year Outlook: The district will need to replace retiring teachers (a large cohort is set to retire soon). Your best bet for rapid promotion is to gain expertise in a high-need area and take on leadership roles (committees, mentoring). The low overall growth means you must be a standout employee.

The Verdict: Is Ankeny Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High Affordability: $62,275 goes far here.	Limited Diversity: Ankeny is less diverse than Des Moines or Iowa City.
Strong Schools: ACSD is well-regarded and invests in teachers.	Job Competition: Few openings mean you need a strong application.
Safe, Community-Oriented: Ideal for raising a family or settling down.	Car-Dependent: You will need a reliable vehicle for all commutes.
Proximity to Des Moines: Easy access to city amenities without the cost.	Slower Pace: If you crave a bustling urban environment, Ankeny may feel quiet.

Final Recommendation: Ankeny is an excellent choice for teachers who value financial stability, a safe community, and a supportive school system. It’s particularly ideal for early- to mid-career teachers looking to buy a home and build a life. If you’re seeking a fast-paced, diverse, and growing career environment, you might prefer a larger city. For most, Ankeny offers a perfect balance.

FAQs

1. What’s the interview process like for Ankeny schools?
It’s typically a two-stage process: a screening interview with the principal, followed by a demonstration lesson for a panel. They look for evidence of strong classroom management and data-driven instruction.

2. How long is the school year and day?
Ankeny follows a traditional calendar, starting mid-August and ending in late May. The instructional day is roughly 7:30 AM - 2:45 PM, with contract hours extending slightly for planning.

3. Is Ankeny a good place for a single teacher?
Yes, but with caveats. The social scene is quieter than in a big city. You’ll need to be proactive, using community events, local gyms, and the Des Moines nightlife scene (30 minutes away) to build your social circle. Affordability is a huge plus.

4. What’s the winter like?
Be prepared. Winters are cold and snowy, with occasional heavy snowfalls. A good coat, boots, and a reliable car with all-season tires are essential. The city is excellent at clearing major roads quickly.

5. How do I get my applications noticed in such a competitive market?
Personalize every application. Mention specific Ankeny schools or programs you admire. If possible, volunteer in the district before applying. Having an ESL or Special Ed endorsement is the single biggest advantage you can have.