What is the average teacher salary in Iowa?

The average public-school teacher salary in Iowa is approximately $59,010 per year (source: Iowa Department of Education / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.

How does Iowa teacher pay compare to the national average?

Iowa teachers earn about 14% below the national average of $68,469 (National Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24). Cost of living in your specific city plays a big role in how that translates to take-home value.

Do Iowa teachers get paid during the summer?

Most Iowa districts pay teachers on a 12-month schedule even though instructional time is ~10 months — the annual salary is spread evenly across the year. Some districts offer a 10-month payment option; check your district's HR for specifics.

What's the highest-paying school district in Iowa?

Pay scales vary district-to-district. Districts in higher cost-of-living areas typically offer higher base salaries. The "Top Hiring Districts" list on this page shows districts currently hiring across Iowa.

Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in Iowa?

Yes. Almost every Iowa district uses a step-and-lane salary schedule: "steps" reward years of teaching experience and "lanes" reward degree level (BA, BA+15, MA, MA+30, etc.). Earning a master's typically adds $3,000–$8,000 annually depending on the district.

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2026 Salary Guide

Teacher Salaries in Iowa

Iowa teachers earn an average of $59,010 per year — 14% below the national average.

$59,010State Average

$33,500Entry-Level (BS)

#28National Rank

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Iowa Teacher Salary Overview

$33,500Entry-Level Salary (BS+0)Starting pay for new teachers with a bachelor's degree

$59,010Average Teacher SalaryState average across all experience levels and districts

$68,469National AverageNational Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24

▼ Iowa teachers earn 14% less than the national average (-$9,459)

How Iowa Teacher Salaries Work

Iowa sets a state minimum of $33,500 for beginning teachers. Each district negotiates its own salary schedule. Urban districts like Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport typically offer the highest starting salaries.

Key Factors That Affect Your Salary

Years of Experience (Steps): Salaries increase with each additional year of teaching service.
Education Level (Lanes): A master's degree, specialist degree, or doctorate earns a higher salary lane.
District: Each district sets its own salary schedule above the state minimum. Urban and suburban districts near major metro areas typically pay more.
Subject Area: Some districts offer bonuses or supplements for high-demand areas like special education, STEM, and bilingual education.

Additional context:

Iowa raised its minimum teacher salary in 2024. Rural districts often struggle to compete with urban areas, contributing to teacher shortages in some regions.

Top Hiring Districts in Iowa

These districts currently have the most open teaching positions on EduJobsBoard. Districts with more openings are often the most actively growing or have the most competitive pay.

3,177 total open positions across Iowa school districts.

Browse All Iowa Teaching Jobs

See the full picture

Iowa ranks #28 nationally by raw salary. How does it rank after adjusting for cost of living?

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Ready to Teach in Iowa?

Before you start earning those salaries, you'll need a valid Iowa teaching certificate. Learn about degree requirements, required exams, and the certification timeline.

Iowa Certification Guide →

Ready to apply?

Browse current teaching positions in Iowa — apply directly on district sites.

View Iowa jobs → Browse by subject

Data sources: Iowa Department of Education / NEA 2023–24. Salary figures represent approximate state averages and minimums; actual pay varies by district, experience, and education level. For the most current salary schedules, consult your district's human resources department or the Iowa Department of Education.

Frequently asked questions about teacher salary in Iowa

What is the average teacher salary in Iowa?: The average public-school teacher salary in Iowa is approximately $59,010 per year (source: Iowa Department of Education / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.
How does Iowa teacher pay compare to the national average?: Iowa teachers earn about 14% below the national average of $68,469 (National Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24). Cost of living in your specific city plays a big role in how that translates to take-home value.
Do Iowa teachers get paid during the summer?: Most Iowa districts pay teachers on a 12-month schedule even though instructional time is ~10 months — the annual salary is spread evenly across the year. Some districts offer a 10-month payment option; check your district's HR for specifics.
What's the highest-paying school district in Iowa?: Pay scales vary district-to-district. Districts in higher cost-of-living areas typically offer higher base salaries. The "Top Hiring Districts" list on this page shows districts currently hiring across Iowa.
Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in Iowa?: Yes. Almost every Iowa district uses a step-and-lane salary schedule: "steps" reward years of teaching experience and "lanes" reward degree level (BA, BA+15, MA, MA+30, etc.). Earning a master's typically adds $3,000–$8,000 annually depending on the district.