Cedar Rapids vs West Des Moines: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and West Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,032▲ | $61,449 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.82▲ | $29.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,986▲ | $47,482 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,429 | $54,690▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,553 | $78,639▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,097 | $95,246▲ |
| Total Employed | 980▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to West Des Moines.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and West Des Moines is $583 (0.95%). Cedar Rapids's median is -3.97% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $32,111,West Des Moines spans $47,764. West Des Moines has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced elementary school teachers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cedar Rapids ($69,728 effective) pays 2.58% more than West Des Moines ($67,975 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,032/year)
- ✓Larger job market (980 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,728)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose West Des Moines if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,246)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 15.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.1% growth in West Des Moines over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$53,260 (2019) → $61,430 (2025)
West Des Moines, IA
$54,771 (2024) → $60,853 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
West Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov