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Teaching Assistant Salary in Des Moines, IA

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

Median Salary
$23,250
per year in Des Moines
Entry Level
$16,792
Starting salary
Senior Level
$32,292
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
97
3% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how teaching assistant salaries break down across different pay periods in Des Moines.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$16,792$23,250$32,292
Monthly$1,399$1,938$2,691
Biweekly$646$894$1,242
Weekly$323$447$621
Hourly$8$11$16

Des Moines vs National Average

How Des Moines's teaching assistant salaries compare to national figures.

Des Moines Salary
$23,250
COL Index: 97
National Average
$35,360
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$12,110
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 Teaching Assistant

Overview

Support teachers and instructors with classroom and administrative tasks.

Education

High school diploma; Associate's degree preferred

Key Skills

Student SupportOrganizationCommunicationSubject Knowledge

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +10% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Teaching Assistant Salary

See Teaching Assistant salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$37,070
+59%
Los Angeles, CA
$45,420
+95%
Chicago, IL
$36,830
+58%
Houston, TX
$27,540
+18%
Phoenix, AZ
$35,640
+53%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Teaching Assistant Salary in Des Moines, IA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a teaching assistant in Des Moines, IA is $23,250 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 teaching assistant professionals in Des Moines can expect to earn around $16,792 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level teaching assistants earning approximately $32,292 per year. This represents a 92% 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 $35,360, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a teaching assistant's salary in Des Moines typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,300 per month, housing represents about 67.1% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Teaching Assistants are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 10% 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.