Teacher Salaries in Iowa — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Teachers in Iowa earn an average of $55,540 per year ($26.70/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 15,890 teachers.
Teacher salaries in Iowa are below the national average by approximately $7,954. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%.
Iowa's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for teachers across both urban and rural areas.
Iowa Teacher Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Iowa after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Iowa Teacher Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Iowa median of $55,540.
Teacher Salary by Experience — Iowa
Teacher Salary Trend in Iowa — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataTeacher salaries in Iowa have grown an estimated 13.9% over the past five years, reflecting broader workforce and economic conditions. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Iowa's public and private education.
Teacher Salary by City — Iowa
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | $61,650 | $29.64 | +11.0% | 5,561 |
| Cedar Rapids | $58,850 | $28.29 | +6.0% | 4,449 |
| Davenport | $57,200 | $27.50 | +3.0% | 2,860 |
| Sioux City | $53,300 | $25.62 | -4.0% | 1,430 |
| Iowa City | $50,550 | $24.30 | -9.0% | 953 |
| Waterloo | $48,300 | $23.22 | -13.0% | 635 |
Tip: Des Moines offers the highest teacher salaries in Iowa at $61,650/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Iowa vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Iowa sits in the mid-range for teachers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%.
Teacher Job Outlook in Iowa
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for teachers in Iowa is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Iowa job market. Iowa's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for teachers across both urban and rural areas.
How to Earn More as a Teacher in Iowa
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a teacher in Iowa typically adds $45,600 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Department of Education can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Des Moines pays teachers $61,650/yr — +11.0% above the Iowa average. Simply relocating within Iowa can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Teachers who specialise in public and private education typically command premium rates in Iowa. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Minnesota pays teachers $63,120/yr — 13.6% vs Iowa.
Find Teacher Jobs in Iowa
Live ListingsSearch current teacher job vacancies in Iowa:
🔍 Teacher jobs in Iowa — Indeed→ 🔍 Teacher jobs in Iowa — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Teacher jobs — Des Moines, IA→