ESL Teacher Salary in Des Moines, Iowa
The median esl teacher salary in Des Moines, IA is $51,520 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.
ESL Teacher Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)
Des Moines offers a median esl teacher salary of $51,520, which is $1,680 above the Iowa state average of $49,840. Compared to the national median of $56,000, 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 esl teachers in Des Moines spans from $33,120 at the 10th percentile to $80,960 at the 90th percentile — a $47,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,960, while senior esl teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,280. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
ESL Teacher Salary in Des Moines by Experience
In Des Moines, an entry-level esl teacher earns around $34,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,280 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA
| Percentile | Des Moines |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $33,120 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,480 |
| Median (50th) | $51,520 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,240 |
| 90th Percentile | $80,960 |
ESL Teacher Salary in Other Iowa Cities
How to Become a ESL Teacher in Des Moines
Education
Most esl teacher positions require a bachelor's degree. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, esl teacher employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find ESL Teacher Jobs in Des Moines
Browse open esl teacher positions in Des Moines, IA: