Education Administrator Salary in Des Moines, IA: $94,024 (2026)

Education Administrator Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median education administrator salary of $94,024, which is $3,066 above the Iowa state average of $90,958. Compared to the national median of $102,200, Des Moines pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Des Moines's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for education administrators in Des Moines spans from $57,040 at the 10th percentile to $149,040 at the 90th percentile — a $92,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,800, while senior education administrators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $142,600. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Education Administrator Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level education administrator earns around $59,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $142,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$59,800

$-5,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$95,680

$-8,320 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$142,600

$-12,400 vs national

Percentile	Des Moines	IA State	National
10th Percentile	$57,040	$55,180	$62,000
25th Percentile	$71,760	$69,420	$78,000
Median (50th)	$94,024	$90,958	$102,200
75th Percentile	$121,440	$117,480	$132,000
90th Percentile	$149,040	$144,180	$162,000

Percentile

Des Moines

10th Percentile

$57,040

25th Percentile

$71,760

Median (50th)

$94,024

75th Percentile

$121,440

90th Percentile

$149,040

How to Become a Education Administrator in Des Moines

Education

Most education administrator positions require a master's degree. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Educational LeadershipBudget ManagementPolicy DevelopmentStaff EvaluationAccreditationCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, education administrator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Education Administrator Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Education Administrator make in Des Moines, IA? ▼

The median education administrator salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $94,024 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $102,200. Salaries range from $57,040 (10th percentile) to $149,040 (90th percentile).

How much does a Education Administrator make per hour in Des Moines? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $94,024, a education administrator in Des Moines earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for education administrator pay? ▼

Des Moines's median education administrator salary of $94,024 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $90,958. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Des Moines, IA? ▼

Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a education administrator salary of $94,024 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a education administrator in Des Moines? ▼

Most education administrator positions in Des Moines require a master's degree. Key skills include Educational Leadership, Budget Management, Policy Development, Staff Evaluation. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.

Education Administrator Salary in Des Moines, Iowa