Average Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Special Education Teachers in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area earn an average annual salary of $59,920. This figure is slightly below the national average of $61,380, suggesting that local market dynamics and specific regional economic factors influence compensation for this vital role. While the nominal salary is slightly lower, the cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines is precisely at the national average, which is a crucial factor in understanding the true purchasing power of this income.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $59,920 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $75,050.
- Outlook: The job market for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, shows a notable concentration, with a Location Quotient of 1.5, indicating a demand that is 50% higher than the national average. With a local workforce of 640 professionals in this field and 1.579 jobs per 1,000 workers, the market appears robust and offers significant opportunities for qualified educators.
Salary Overview
The average Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-2.4%below the national average.
$28.8
$1,152
$4,993
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Special Education Teachers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by increasing demand for specialized educational services, rising costs of living, and ongoing efforts to attract and retain qualified educators in a competitive field.
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Salary progression for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with several years of dedicated service can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The observed gaps between salary percentiles signify clear career progression pathways and the increasing value placed on expertise and tenure within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $46,320 | $22.3 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $44,940 | $21.6 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $58,150 | $28 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $74,900 | $36 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $75,050 | $36.1 |
Detailed Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$59,920
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$59,920
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal salary of $59,920 for Special Education Teachers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, holds its value effectively, given that the local Cost of Living Index is exactly 100, matching the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is aligned with the national standard, making the area an economically stable choice for professionals without the added financial pressure of a significantly higher or lower cost of living.
Job Market Context
640
Total Jobs
1.579
Per 1K Jobs
1.5
Location Quotient
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 1.5x the national concentration of Special Education Teachers, Secondary School jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 1.5 for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, signifies a market with a higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a strong local demand for their specialized skills, potentially leading to more job openings and a competitive environment for employers seeking to fill these crucial roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Hiring Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Special Education Teachers, Secondary School make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $59,920. This typically ranges from $46,320 for entry-level positions to $75,050 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 2.4% lower than the national median of $61,380.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools?
Yes, it offers good value relative to the national average.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning your earnings have strong purchasing power. The high concentration of jobs (LQ of 1.5) also indicates robust local demand.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Special Education Teachers, Secondary 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 ($58,940) 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, Secondary School in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $59,920, which is slightly lower than the national average of $61,380.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA for Special Education Teachers?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated is the market for Special Education Teachers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The market is more concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.5, suggesting a higher demand and presence of Special Education Teachers in the area.
What is the total number of Special Education Teachers in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA workforce?
There are approximately 640 Special Education Teachers, Secondary School, within the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA local workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 640 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 1.579 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
- All Occupations Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
- Management Occupations Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
- Browse All Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA