Creative & Education Des Moines, IA
Pop. 214,133
School Counselor Salary in Des Moines, Iowa
The median school counselor salary in Des Moines, IA is $55,329 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.
City Median
$55,329
vs State Avg
+$1,804
vs National
$-4,811
Cost of Living
92%
School Counselor Salary in Des Moines by Experience
In Des Moines, an entry-level school counselor earns around $36,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,800
$-3,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,200
$-4,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$78,200
$-6,800 vs national
Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA
| Percentile | Des Moines |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $35,144 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,240 |
| Median (50th) | $55,329 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,104 |
| 90th Percentile | $87,216 |
School Counselor Salary in Other Iowa Cities
How to Become a School Counselor in Des Moines
Education
Most school counselor positions require a master's degree. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
CounselingCollege PlanningCrisis InterventionGroup FacilitationActive ListeningStudent Assessment
Job Outlook
Nationally, school counselor 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.