Although becoming a teacher in Iowa can be emotionally rewarding, it’s only prudent to know what kind of salary to expect once all of the teaching requirements in Iowa are met. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the salary of an Iowa certified teacher falls slightly below the national average. The only area in which an educator receives more is physics at the postsecondary level. Otherwise, the salary is about $10,000 less. In special education, the gap is even greater. A student with a teaching certificate in Iowa who goes into special education at the secondary level (6-12) will receive about $13,000 less than fellow teachers in other states. Despite these differences, salaries in Iowa are still sufficient enough to make a respectable living.
Students considering becoming teachers in Iowa should consult the following chart. The information is derived from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and lists Iowa’s average teacher salaries by specialization and in comparison with national averages.
| Education, Training, and Library Occupations | Annual mean wage in Iowa | Annual mean wage in U.S. |
| Business Teachers Postsecondary | $82,150 | $86,620 |
| Physics Teachers Postsecondary | $88,800 | $86,730 |
| Psychology Teachers Postsecondary | $70,430 | $74,890 |
| Education Teachers Postsecondary | $65,840 | $65,050 |
| English Language and Literature Teachers Postsecondary | $66,700 | $68,760 |
| Preschool Teachers Except Special Education | $28,060 | $30,150 |
| Kindergarten Teachers Except Special Education | $45,490 | $52,350 |
| Elementary School Teachers Except Special Education | $47,190 | $55,270 |
| Middle School Teachers Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $49,490 | $55,780 |
| Secondary School Teachers Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $46,250 | $56,760 |
| Special Education Teachers Preschool Kindergarten and Elementary School | $46,470 | $56,460 |
| Special Education Teachers Middle School | $46,070 | $58,420 |
| Special Education Teachers Secondary School | $45,450 | $59,080 |
It’s also wise to keep in mind that salaries can vary from region to region. Below are Iowa’s three largest cities — Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport — and their teacher salaries from May 2011.
| City | Annual mean wage |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $41,450 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IA-IL | $46,460 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines IA | $47,550 |