Secondary School Teacher Salary in Iowa
Based on 12K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$61,200
$29.42/hr
vs National Average
$70,424
-13.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$47K – $79K
12K employed in Iowa
Secondary School Teacher salary in Iowa averages $61,200 per year, with approximately 12,310 educators currently employed in the state. This median figure falls about 13% below the national average for secondary teachers, reflecting regional economic differences. Understanding the full salary landscape requires examining both the entry-level and experienced teacher pay scales that exist across Iowa's school districts.
Several factors influence Secondary School Teacher salary in Iowa, including years of experience, educational credentials, and school district size and resources. Teachers with advanced degrees or specialized certifications typically earn more than those with standard credentials. Additionally, rural districts often offer different compensation packages than urban or suburban areas, and individual district budgets significantly impact the salaries they can offer educators.
Salary Distribution — Secondary School Teacher in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,480 |
| 25th percentile | $49,390 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $61,200 |
| 75th percentile | $73,970 |
| 90th percentile | $79,270 |
Top-Paying Industries for Secondary School Teacher (U.S.)
Which industries pay Secondary School Teachers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Secondary School Teachers in Iowa tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $77,330 | 2K |
| Educational Services | $72,170 | 1.1M |
| Administrative and Support Services | $63,290 | 550 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $57,880 | 1K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $50,750 | 870 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Secondary School Teacher in Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $60,480 |
| 2023 | $60,010 |
| 2024 | $58,910 |
| 2025 | $61,200 |
| 2026 (projected) | $63,579 |
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 | $60,480 | $63,868 |
| 2023 | $60,010 | $67,463 |
| 2024 | $58,910 | $67,394 |
| 2025 | $61,200 | $70,424 |
| 2026 (projected) | $63,579 | $73,162 |
Secondary School Teacher Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $49,390 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $61,200 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $73,970 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $79,270 |
Secondary School Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Secondary School Teacher Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Secondary School Teacher ($61,200 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Secondary School Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in IA | $74,970 | +22.5% | $36.04/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in IA | $60,580 | -1.0% | $29.13/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in IA | $60,450 | -1.2% | $29.06/hr |
| Librarian in IA | $58,440 | -4.5% | $28.10/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in IA | $58,420 | -4.5% | $28.09/hr |
| School Counselor in IA | $56,540 | -7.6% | $27.18/hr |
| Tutor in IA | $35,670 | -41.7% | $17.15/hr |
| Writer and Author in IA | $61,010 | -0.3% | $29.33/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in IA | $60,880 | -0.5% | $29.27/hr |
| Electrician in IA | $60,860 | -0.6% | $29.26/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in IA | $60,140 | -1.7% | $28.91/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in IA | $62,630 | +2.3% | $30.11/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do secondary school teachers make in Iowa?
- Secondary school teachers in Iowa earn a median salary of $61,200 per year, or approximately $29 per hour. This is about 13.1% below the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for high school teachers in Iowa?
- High school teachers in Iowa can expect salaries ranging from $47,480 to $79,270 per year, depending on experience, qualifications, and school district. This represents a difference of over $31,000 between entry-level and top earners in the state.
How many secondary school teachers are employed in Iowa?
- There are currently 12,310 secondary school teachers employed across Iowa, making it a significant portion of the state's education workforce.
Is the Iowa teacher salary competitive compared to the national average?
- No, Iowa's median secondary school teacher salary of $61,200 is approximately 13.1% lower than the national average, which may impact teacher recruitment and retention in the state.