Teacher (K-12) Salary in Sioux City, IA: $51,820 (2026)

Teacher (K-12) Pay in Sioux City: What to Expect (2026)

Sioux City offers a median teacher (k-12) salary of $51,820, which is $3,084 below the Iowa state average of $54,904. Compared to the national median of $61,690, Sioux City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Sioux City's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $51,820 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $61,690 in an average-cost city. This makes Sioux City an attractive option for teacher (k-12)s seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for teacher (k-12)s in Sioux City spans from $34,776 at the 10th percentile to $84,840 at the 90th percentile — a $50,064 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,280, while senior teacher (k-12)s with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,280. Sioux City is a smaller market (pop. 85,797), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Sioux City by Experience

In Sioux City, an entry-level teacher (k-12) earns around $35,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,280 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$35,280

$-6,720 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$52,080

$-9,920 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$77,280

$-14,720 vs national

Percentile	Sioux City	IA State	National
10th Percentile	$34,776	$36,846	$41,400
25th Percentile	$40,992	$43,432	$48,800
Median (50th)	$51,820	$54,904	$61,690
75th Percentile	$66,528	$70,488	$79,200
90th Percentile	$84,840	$89,890	$101,000

Percentile

Sioux City

10th Percentile

$34,776

25th Percentile

$40,992

Median (50th)

$51,820

75th Percentile

$66,528

90th Percentile

$84,840

How to Become a Teacher (K-12) in Sioux City

Education

Most teacher (k-12) positions require a bachelor's degree. Sioux City and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Lesson PlanningClassroom ManagementAssessmentDifferentiated InstructionCommunicationEducational Technology

Job Outlook

Nationally, teacher (k-12) employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). Demand in Sioux City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Teacher (K-12) Salary in Sioux City

How much does a Teacher (K-12) make in Sioux City, IA? ▼

The median teacher (k-12) salary in Sioux City, Iowa is $51,820 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $61,690. Salaries range from $34,776 (10th percentile) to $84,840 (90th percentile).

How much does a Teacher (K-12) make per hour in Sioux City? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $51,820, a teacher (k-12) in Sioux City earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Sioux City compare to the Iowa state average for teacher (k-12) pay? ▼

Sioux City's median teacher (k-12) salary of $51,820 is 5.6% below the Iowa state average of $54,904. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Sioux City, IA? ▼

Sioux City has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a teacher (k-12) salary of $51,820 in Sioux City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a teacher (k-12) in Sioux City? ▼

Most teacher (k-12) positions in Sioux City require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Lesson Planning, Classroom Management, Assessment, Differentiated Instruction. The job market is projected to grow 1% nationally over the next decade.

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Sioux City, Iowa