Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area earn an average annual salary of $56,550. This figure is notably below the national average of $61,640, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this specific metropolitan region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $56,550 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.4% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $71,450.
- Outlook: The Des Moines-West Des Moines area supports a local workforce of 440 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School. With a Location Quotient of 0.72, the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to the national landscape. The presence of over a thousand jobs per thousand workers in this field suggests a consistent need for these educators.
Salary Overview
The average Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-8.3%below the national average.
$27.2
$1,088
$4,713
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Des Moines-West Des Moines have experienced moderate growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by increasing awareness of the importance of specialized education, rising costs of living, and ongoing efforts to attract and retain qualified educators in the field.
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Salary progression for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Des Moines-West Des Moines typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced degrees and extensive classroom experience can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify substantial career progression opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $45,940 | $22.1 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $42,413 | $20.4 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $52,180 | $25.1 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $70,688 | $34 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $71,450 | $34.4 |
Detailed Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$56,550
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$56,550
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $56,550 in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Special Education Teacher's salary in this area is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain due to living expenses.
Job Market Context
440
Total Jobs
1.074
Per 1K Jobs
0.72
Location Quotient
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 0.72x the national average concentration of Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.72, the Des Moines-West Des Moines metropolitan area has a slightly lower concentration of Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is stable and provides consistent employment opportunities, it may not be as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering a competitive edge for qualified candidates seeking positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $56,550. This typically ranges from $45,940 for entry-level positions to $71,450 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 8.3% lower than the national median of $61,640.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $56,550 is below the national average of $61,640, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($61,830) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Des Moines-West Des Moines salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $56,550, which is approximately $5,090 less than the national average of $61,640.
What is the concentration of Special Education Teachers in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.72, indicating that this profession is slightly less common in Des Moines-West Des Moines compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the Special Education Teacher salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
The cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines is exactly at the national average (100). Therefore, the nominal salary of $56,550 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Special Education Teachers are there in the Des Moines-West Des Moines area?
There are approximately 440 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School employed within the Des Moines-West Des Moines metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 440 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 1.074 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA