EducationUpdated Q1 2025

Special Education Teacher Salary
in Des Moines, IA

Educate students with physical, emotional, cognitive, and learning disabilities. Median salary in Des Moines: $60K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$60K
per year
Take-home: $39K

Salary range in Des Moines

Entry level (25th)$44,000
Median (50th)$60,000
Senior (75th)$77,000
Top earner (90th)$99,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Des Moines, Iowa.

Key facts for Des Moines

Median salary
$60K
annual
Take-home pay
$39K
after fed/state tax
COL index
88
100 = US avg
State income tax
4.82%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$1,150
per month
YoY growth
+3.5%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Des Moines Special Education Teacher to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $60K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Des Moines

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Special Education Teacher salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$50K$55K$59K$64K$68K201920212023202520272029
2026
$61K
projected
2027
$63K
projected
2028
$65K
projected
2029
$66K
projected
2030
$68K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$60,000+$0
2028 projected$60,000+$0
2029 projected$60,000+$0
2030 projected$60,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Special Education Teacher Salary in Des Moines, Iowa: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Special Education Teacher salary in Des Moines, IA is $60,000 per year as of Q1 2025. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Des Moines–IA metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Special Education Teacher in Des Moines

Entry-level Special Education Teachers in Des Moines with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $44,000 and $60,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $60,000 to $77,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $77,000 to $99,000 or more.

Cost of living in Des Moines for Special Education Teachers

Des Moines has a cost of living index of 88 compared to the US national average of 100. This means your salary goes approximately 12% further in Des Moines than the national average. Iowa has a 4.82% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Special Education Teacher

Bachelor's in Special Education; state certification. 8% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Special Education Teacher salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Des Moines (current)$60K88
Cedar Rapids85
Davenport82