School Counselor Salary in Des Moines, IA: $55,329 (2026)

School Counselor Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median school counselor salary of $55,329, which is $1,804 above the Iowa state average of $53,525. Compared to the national median of $60,140, 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 school counselors in Des Moines spans from $35,144 at the 10th percentile to $87,216 at the 90th percentile — a $52,072 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,800, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $78,200. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

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

Percentile	Des Moines	IA State	National
10th Percentile	$35,144	$33,998	$38,200
25th Percentile	$43,240	$41,830	$47,000
Median (50th)	$55,329	$53,525	$60,140
75th Percentile	$70,104	$67,818	$76,200
90th Percentile	$87,216	$84,372	$94,800

Percentile

Des Moines

10th Percentile

$35,144

25th Percentile

$43,240

Median (50th)

$55,329

75th Percentile

$70,104

90th Percentile

$87,216

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.

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.

School Counselor Salary in Des Moines, Iowa