Iowa ranks 42nd of 51 states and D.C. for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school pay, trailing top-paying California ($90,530) by $35,180 — a 64% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $44,020 to $72,410 — a $28,390 spread, 46% tighter than the national $53,030 range.
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School are less concentrated in Iowa than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.77 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.30× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $44,020 | N/A |
| 25th percentile | $46,880 | N/A |
| 50th percentile (median) | $55,350 | N/A |
| 75th percentile | $61,820 | N/A |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $72,410 | N/A |
| Mean (average) | $55,200 | N/A |
How Iowa Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa (current) | $55,350 | n/a |
| California | $90,530 | +64% |
| Washington | $85,340 | +54% |
| District of Columbia | $82,400 | +49% |
| Connecticut | $81,220 | +47% |
| New York | $80,750 | +46% |
| Massachusetts | $78,820 | +42% |
| Oregon | $78,320 | +41% |
| Rhode Island | $77,930 | +41% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Iowa
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education | $55,420 | 1,020 |
| Firefighters | $55,190 | 2,050 |
| Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | $55,540 | 15,890 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $55,080 | 37,430 |
| Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders | $55,030 | 2,080 |
| Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors | $55,910 | 3,580 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Iowa?
The mean special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school salary in Iowa is $55,200 per year. The median (middle) salary is $55,350 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Iowa?
Entry-level special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary schools (10th percentile) in Iowa typically earn around $44,020 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $46,880 per year.
What is the highest Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Iowa?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Iowa make approximately $72,410 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $61,820 per year.
How does the Iowa Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary compare to the national average?
The median special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school salary in Iowa is $55,350, which is -12% below national average of $63,000.