Elementary School Teacher Salary in Iowa
Based on 17K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$60,580
$29.13/hr
vs National Average
$68,176
-11.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$47K – $77K
17K employed in Iowa
Elementary school teachers in Iowa earn a median salary of $60,580 per year, with approximately 17,300 educators currently employed in the state. The salary range spans from $47,260 to $77,400 annually, reflecting variation based on experience and location. It's important to note that Iowa's elementary teacher salaries run about 11% below the national average, a gap worth considering for those entering or relocating within the profession.
Several factors shape elementary school teacher salary in Iowa, including years of classroom experience, educational credentials, and district funding levels. Teachers with advanced degrees or specializations often command higher compensation. Additionally, rural versus urban districts may offer different salary scales, and individual school district budgets significantly influence pay structures. Cost of living differences across the state can also affect how far these salaries stretch for educators and their families.
Salary Distribution — Elementary School Teacher in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,260 |
| 25th percentile | $48,620 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $60,580 |
| 75th percentile | $64,210 |
| 90th percentile | $77,400 |
Top-Paying Industries for Elementary School Teacher (U.S.)
Which industries pay Elementary School Teachers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Elementary School Teachers in Iowa tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $72,990 | 540 |
| Educational Services | $63,970 | 1.4M |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $49,340 | 2K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $46,390 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Elementary School Teacher in Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $60,380 |
| 2023 | $59,290 |
| 2024 | $55,540 |
| 2025 | $60,580 |
| 2026 (projected) | $64,215 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $60,380 | $61,148 |
| 2023 | $59,290 | $64,171 |
| 2024 | $55,540 | $64,107 |
| 2025 | $60,580 | $68,176 |
| 2026 (projected) | $64,215 | $72,267 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $48,620 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $60,580 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $64,210 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $77,400 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Elementary School Teacher Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Elementary School Teacher ($60,580 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Elementary School Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in IA | $74,970 | +23.8% | $36.04/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in IA | $61,200 | +1.0% | $29.42/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in IA | $60,450 | -0.2% | $29.06/hr |
| Librarian in IA | $58,440 | -3.5% | $28.10/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in IA | $58,420 | -3.6% | $28.09/hr |
| School Counselor in IA | $56,540 | -6.7% | $27.18/hr |
| Tutor in IA | $35,670 | -41.1% | $17.15/hr |
| Electrician in IA | $60,860 | +0.5% | $29.26/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in IA | $60,880 | +0.5% | $29.27/hr |
| Writer and Author in IA | $61,010 | +0.7% | $29.33/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in IA | $60,140 | -0.7% | $28.91/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in IA | $58,810 | -2.9% | $28.27/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do elementary school teachers make in Iowa?
- Elementary school teachers in Iowa earn a median salary of $60,580 per year, or approximately $29 per hour. This is 11.1% below the national average for the position.
What is the salary range for elementary teachers in Iowa?
- Elementary school teacher salaries in Iowa range from $47,260 at the lower end to $77,400 at the higher end, representing a spread of about $30,140 across the profession.
How many elementary school teachers work in Iowa?
- There are approximately 17,300 elementary school teachers currently employed in Iowa, making it a substantial portion of the state's education workforce.
Is the elementary teacher salary in Iowa higher or lower than the national average?
- Iowa's median elementary teacher salary of $60,580 is 11.1% lower than the national average, meaning teachers in Iowa earn less than their counterparts in most other states.