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

Iowa City, IA
$57,133
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$52,923
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$51,720
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$50,518
Pop. 85,797

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.

Find School Counselor Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open school counselor positions in Des Moines, IA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Des Moines

How much does a School Counselor make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $55,329 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $35,144 (10th percentile) to $87,216 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,329, a school counselor in Des Moines earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for school counselor pay? ▼
Des Moines's median school counselor salary of $55,329 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $53,525. 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 school counselor salary of $55,329 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Des Moines? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Des Moines require a master's degree. Key skills include Counseling, College Planning, Crisis Intervention, Group Facilitation. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.