salary$61,650 a yearmedian pay in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$46,090per year
Top pay (top 10%)$79,610per year
Jobs in the area3,640people work this job
Can a elementary school teacher afford Des Moines?
OK. Rent of $1,266 a month takes 24.6% of the median elementary school teacher salary. That is under the 30% rule, so one paycheck covers rent comfortably.
Elementary School Teacher pay in similar cities
Other jobs in Des Moines
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a elementary school teacher make in Des Moines, IA?
The median pay for a elementary school teacher in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area is $61,650 a year. Most earn between $46,090 and $79,610.
Can a elementary school teacher afford to live in Des Moines?
Typical rent of $1,266 a month takes 24.6% of the median elementary school teacher salary, which we rate OK.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area.