Elementary School Teacher in Des Moines, IA

The Salary Picture: Where Des Moines Stands

As a local, I can tell you that teaching in Des Moines is about stability rather than a windfall. The median salary for Elementary School Teachers here is $62,275 per year, which breaks down to roughly $29.94 per hour. This figure comes from federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, which aggregates salaries across all public and private elementary schools in the Des Moines-West Des Moines metro area.

To give you a clearer picture of how pay scales with experience in the local market, here’s a representative breakdown:

Career Stage	Typical Experience	Estimated Annual Salary (Des Moines)
Entry-Level	0-3 years	$52,000 - $58,000
Mid-Career	4-10 years	$60,000 - $68,000
Senior	11-20 years	$69,000 - $76,000
Expert/Lead	20+ years	$77,000 - $85,000+

Insider Tip: The Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) salary schedule is public. You can find it on their HR website. Most other districts in the metro, like Waukee or Urbandale, follow a similar matrix but may have slightly different step increments. Your starting placement depends heavily on your years of verified experience and your academic credits.

How does this stack up for Iowa? The national average for Elementary School Teachers is $63,670/year. Des Moines sits just a touch below the national average, but its cost of living is significantly lower, as we'll see. For context, in other Iowa metros:

• Cedar Rapids is often slightly lower, with a median around $61,500.
• Iowa City (home to the University of Iowa) can be more competitive, with medians closer to $64,000, but the housing market is tighter.
• Davenport-Bettendorf (Quad Cities) is typically on par, with a median near $62,000.

The key here is that Des Moines offers a professional salary with the purchasing power of a much more affordable city.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to brass tacks. How far does that $62,275 salary actually go in Des Moines? We need to account for taxes and the biggest monthly expense: housing.

Assumptions for a single filer (no dependents):

• Federal Tax (Est.): $4,800/year
• Social Security & Medicare: $4,760/year (7.65%)
• Iowa State Tax (Est.): $3,100/year
• Total Estimated Annual Taxes: ~$12,660
• Net Annual Take-Home Pay: ~$49,615
• Monthly Net Take-Home Pay: ~$4,135

Now, for rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in the Des Moines metro is $899/month. This is a realistic figure that includes areas from the bustling downtown core to quieter suburbs like Ankeny or Clive.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Elementary School Teacher:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1-Bedroom)	$899	Average for the metro. Downtown is higher, suburbs can be lower.
Utilities	$150	Electricity, gas, water, internet.
Groceries	$300	A reasonable budget for one person.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Highly variable; public transit is limited.
Gas/Maintenance	$150	Based on a 20-mile round-trip commute.
Healthcare	$150	After employer premiums.
Discretionary/Savings	$1,086	Eating out, entertainment, retirement, emergency fund.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, the math strongly suggests it’s possible. The median home price in the Des Moines metro is around $245,000. With a 10% down payment ($24,500), a 30-year mortgage at a current rate (for illustration) of 6.5% would be roughly $1,400/month (including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance). This is higher than rent, but the $1,086 monthly surplus in the budget above can be redirected. With careful budgeting and a 2-3 year savings plan for a down payment, homeownership is a realistic goal for a D.M. teacher.

Where the Jobs Are: Des Moines's Major Employers

The Des Moines metro is a hub for education, with several major employers. The job market is stable, but not explosive—the 10-year job growth is projected at 1%, which is typical for a mature metro area. The total number of jobs in the metro is 1,051, indicating a decent pool of opportunities.

Here are the key players:

1. Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS): The largest district in Iowa, serving over 33,000 students across 60+ schools. They are the biggest employer and have the most openings, especially in high-need areas. Hiring trends are consistent year-to-year, with a push for diversity and multilingual educators.
2. Waukee Community School District: A fast-growing suburban district to the west. Due to rapid population growth, they frequently have new openings, especially at new elementary schools. Their hiring is proactive and often starts in early spring for the next school year.
3. Ankeny Community School District: Another major suburban district north of Des Moines. Known for strong community support and newer facilities. They have a stable hiring pattern but can be competitive.
4. Urbandale Community School District: A well-established district with a focus on innovation and technology integration. They often seek teachers with specific tech skills.
5. Johnston Community School District: A high-performing district north of the metro. They have a reputation for strong academic programs and often look for teachers with specialized endorsements.
6. Private & Charter Schools: There are numerous options, including the Des Moines Public Schools' own magnet and charter programs (like Hiatt Middle School's STEAM focus). Private schools like Dowling Catholic High School (though secondary) and St. Pius X School offer alternative paths, often with smaller class sizes but sometimes lower pay scales.

Insider Tip: Many of these districts post jobs on their own websites first, but sites like SchoolSpring and the Iowa Department of Education's job board are essential. The best time to apply is January through April for the following school year, though openings pop up year-round due to retirements and mid-year resignations.

Getting Licensed in Iowa

Iowa’s licensing is straightforward but requires specific steps. You must start with the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (IBEE).

1. The Initial License: To teach elementary (K-6) in Iowa, you need a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program. Your university will recommend you for licensure.
2. Endorsements: You must have an endorsement in Elementary Education (K-6). If you want to teach in a specific area (e.g., Early Childhood K-3, Reading Specialist), you'll need that specific endorsement.
3. Costs: The initial application fee for a license is $50. If you're coming from another state, you may need to pay for a review of your credentials, which can be an additional $50-$100.
4. Timeline to Get Started:
   • If you're a recent grad: Your university handles the initial recommendation. You can apply online through the IBEE portal. Processing can take 4-6 weeks.
   • If you're moving from another state: Iowa has reciprocity agreements with most states. You'll need to submit your out-of-state license, transcripts, and possibly complete a state-mandated course on Iowa law and regulations (this is a common requirement, often a one-time online module). The entire process can take 8-12 weeks.

Insider Tip: Iowa is part of the Midwest Interstate Reciprocal Agreement on Higher Education Credentials (MIRAC), which simplifies license transfers for many states. Always check the IBEE website for the most current reciprocity map.

Best Neighborhoods for Elementary School Teachers

Living in Des Moines is about balancing commute, cost, and community feel. Here are four neighborhoods that are popular with teachers:

1. Beaverdale (City of Des Moines): A classic, walkable neighborhood with tree-lined streets, older but well-maintained homes, and a strong sense of community. It's close to the big DMPS schools like Hoover and Moulton. Commute to downtown is 15 minutes. Rent Estimate (1-BR Apt): $850-$950/month. Insider Pick: Great for those who want a established neighborhood feel without breaking the bank.
2. Waukee (Suburban): If you teach in the Waukee district, living here is ideal for a short commute. It's a family-friendly suburb with new amenities, great parks, and excellent schools. Commute to downtown Des Moines is 25-30 minutes. Rent Estimate (1-BR Apt): $900-$1,050/month. Insider Pick: Best for teachers with young families or those who want a quiet, suburban life.
3. Clive/Waukee Corridor: This area offers a blend of suburban comfort and easy access to the vibrant retail and dining corridor along Hickman Road. It's less congested than Waukee proper and has top-rated schools. Commute to downtown is 20-25 minutes. Rent Estimate (1-BR Apt): $925-$1,100/month. Insider Pick: Ideal for those who want modern apartment amenities and a slightly longer, but easy, commute.
4. East Village (Downtown Des Moines): For the teacher who wants an urban lifestyle, the East Village offers historic charm, walkability to coffee shops, breweries, and the Capitol. It's a unique vibe, though housing is pricier. Commute to downtown schools is under 10 minutes. Rent Estimate (1-BR Apt): $1,100-$1,400/month. Insider Pick: Perfect for the young professional who values culture and nightlife over space.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the base salary growth is modest, Des Moines offers clear paths to increase your earnings through specialization and leadership.

• Specialty Premiums: Earning an endorsement in Special Education or English as a Second Language (ESL) can make you highly marketable and may come with a small stipend in some districts. A Master’s degree will typically move you to a higher lane on the salary schedule, adding $2,000-$4,000 annually.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Instructional Coach: A role that supports other teachers, often with a stipend.
  • Department Head (for K-6): In larger schools, leading a grade-level team.
  • School Administration: Becoming an assistant principal or principal requires a Master’s in Educational Leadership and significant experience. Salaries for administrators start around $85,000 and can reach $115,000+ for principals in larger districts.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 1% job growth means competition for openings will remain steady. However, retirements in the aging teacher workforce will create vacancies. The demand will be strongest for teachers with STEM focus, ESL, and Special Education. The long-term outlook is secure for those who are adaptable and willing to seek additional endorsements.

The Verdict: Is Des Moines Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further here than in coastal cities.	Winters are Long and Harsh: You must be prepared for snow, ice, and sub-zero temps from November to March.
Strong Community Vibe: Des Moines has a "big small town" feel; neighborhoods are tight-knit.	Limited Public Transit: Owning a reliable car is a near-necessity for commuting.
Stable Job Market: Public schools are unionized, offering job security and clear salary schedules.	Salary is Modest: You won't get rich teaching here, but you can live comfortably.
Great for Families: Excellent public libraries, parks (Gray's Lake, Water Works Park), and family events.	Political Landscape: Iowa's education policies can shift with state government changes, creating some uncertainty.
Proximity to Nature: Easy access to lakes, trails, and the Raccoon River Valley Bike Trail.	Limited Diversity: While improving, the metro is less diverse than national averages, which can be a factor for some.

Final Recommendation: Des Moines is an excellent choice for Elementary School Teachers who prioritize financial stability, a strong sense of community, and a manageable pace of life. If you value urban excitement and high salaries above all else, larger coastal cities might be a better fit. But if you want to buy a home, save for retirement, and be part of a supportive school community, Des Moines is a smart, sustainable choice.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car if I live in Des Moines?
Almost certainly, yes. While the downtown core and a few neighborhoods are walkable, the metro is spread out. Most teachers commute to schools in suburbs or larger campuses that aren't on reliable bus routes. A car provides essential flexibility for grocery shopping, errands, and weekend trips.

2. How competitive is the job market for new teachers?
It's moderately competitive. You will face competition, especially for desirable suburban districts (Waukee, Johnston). However, with a solid application and a willingness to consider all districts, including DMPS, most qualified candidates find a position. Being open to special education or ESL roles greatly increases your chances.

3. What is the teaching culture like in the Des Moines area?
Generally, it's collaborative and community-focused. Iowa teachers are known for being hardworking and collegial. There's a strong emphasis on standardized testing (like the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress - ISASP), but also a growing movement toward project-based learning and social-emotional learning (SEL). Unions are active in most districts, providing a voice in working conditions.

4. Can I survive on a starting teacher's salary?
Yes, absolutely. A starting salary in the low-to-mid $50,000s is very manageable in Des Moines. With the average rent at $899/month, you can comfortably afford a nice apartment, a reliable used car, and still have money left for savings and fun. Budgeting is key, but it's far more feasible here than in major metros.

5. What's the best way to get experience before applying?
Substitute teaching is the golden ticket. Every district in the metro needs substitutes, and it's the best way to get your foot in the door. You'll learn the curriculum, build relationships with principals, and see which school culture fits you. Most districts have a streamlined process for certified teachers to become long-term or permanent subs. It's a low-risk way to prove yourself.