Creative & Education Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Special Education Teacher Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median special education teacher salary in Des Moines, IA is $57,923 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$57,923
vs State Avg
+$1,889
vs National
$-5,037
Cost of Living
92%

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

Des Moines offers a median special education teacher salary of $57,923, which is $1,889 above the Iowa state average of $56,034. Compared to the national median of $62,960, 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 special education teachers in Des Moines spans from $38,640 at the 10th percentile to $88,320 at the 90th percentile — a $49,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,480, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $82,800. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $40,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $82,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,480
$-3,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,880
$-5,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$82,800
$-7,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $38,640
25th Percentile $46,000
Median (50th) $57,923
75th Percentile $71,760
90th Percentile $88,320

Special Education Teacher Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$59,812
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$55,405
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$54,146
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$52,886
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Des Moines

Education

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

Key Skills

IEP DevelopmentAdaptive TeachingAssessmentBehavioral ManagementCommunicationPatience

Job Outlook

Nationally, special education teacher 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.

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open special education teacher positions in Des Moines, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $57,923 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $38,640 (10th percentile) to $88,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,923, a special education teacher in Des Moines earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Des Moines's median special education teacher salary of $57,923 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $56,034. 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 special education teacher salary of $57,923 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a special education teacher in Des Moines? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Des Moines require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include IEP Development, Adaptive Teaching, Assessment, Behavioral Management. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.