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School Psychologist Salary in Des Moines, IA

How much does a school psychologist make in Des Moines? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Des Moines's cost of living.

Median Salary
$74,290
per year in Des Moines
Entry Level
$45,448
Starting salary
Senior Level
$103,132
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
97
3% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how school psychologist salaries break down across different pay periods in Des Moines.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$45,448$74,290$103,132
Monthly$3,787$6,191$8,594
Biweekly$1,748$2,857$3,967
Weekly$874$1,429$1,983
Hourly$22$36$50

Des Moines vs National Average

How Des Moines's school psychologist salaries compare to national figures.

Des Moines Salary
$74,290
COL Index: 97
National Average
$86,460
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$12,170
Lower in Des Moines

Cost of Living in Des Moines

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,300
per month
Median Income
$55,234
per year
Population
210,330
residents
Rent % of Income
28.2%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 97 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Des Moines have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About School Psychologist

Overview

Provide psychological assessment and intervention services to students.

Education

Master's degree or specialist degree in School Psychology

Key Skills

Psychological AssessmentCounselingData AnalysisSpecial Needs Support

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +15% over the next decade

Compare Cities: School Psychologist Salary

See School Psychologist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$101,790
+37%
Los Angeles, CA
$108,130
+46%
Chicago, IL
$80,600
+8%
Houston, TX
$78,740
+6%
Phoenix, AZ
$82,960
+12%

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School Psychologist Salary in Des Moines, IA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a school psychologist in Des Moines, IA is $74,290 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 97. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Des Moines's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level school psychologist professionals in Des Moines can expect to earn around $45,448 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level school psychologists earning approximately $103,132 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Des Moines's cost of living index of 97 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Des Moines are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $86,460, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a school psychologist's salary in Des Moines typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,300 per month, housing represents about 21.0% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

School Psychologists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 15% over the next decade. In Des Moines, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.