The DESE Salary

The DESE Salary

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As of April 2026, the average annual salary for employees at The DESE in the United States is $94,573. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $45. Salaries at The DESE typically range from $82,628 to $108,306 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Current Job Openings at The DESE

Ready for your next career move? Explore current job openings at The DESE. Use the search tool below to find available positions by title and location and apply directly to start your career.

Is The DESE’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does The DESE's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
Multnomah Education Service District $99,700
+5.4%
Reflects structural premiums typical of Multnomah Education Service District's large-cap national operations.
Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology and Research Academy $99,225
+4.9%
Supported by Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology and Research Academy's high-margin contracts allowing higher overhead.
Taft School $105,533
+11.6%
Influenced by prevailing union wage agreements specific to Taft School's sector.
Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation $100,575
+6.3%
Driven by niche technical certifications required for Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation's specialized projects.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+22.0%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

How The DESE's Salaries Compare to Similar Companies?

Explore companies in the same industry to compare average salaries, benefits, and career opportunities with those at The DESE. Click a company name to learn more.

Employee Reviews: Working at The DESE

Considering a career at The DESE? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
Management is generally responsive, and departments work well together. A strong team that values transparency and community service. A wonderful environment to grow and contribute meaningfully. I genuinely feel like I’m contributing to something bigger than myself every day.
Commented in March 11, 2025
46
1
From leadership to support staff, people are engaged and thoughtful. Working here has been a stable and rewarding experience. After 15 years in education, joining this organization was a revelation. I feel proud working in an environment that emphasizes lifelong learning and community impact. Still, the commitment to public service is evident.
Commented in February 20, 2025
44
1
The company provides extensive training and development programs, enabling employees to build skills and advance careers. Professional development and wellness initiatives help staff thrive, while meaningful public service projects inspire pride and engagement across departments. The environment is cordial, though not particularly energetic. Management trusts us to do our work well, and communicat...
Commented in January 23, 2025
40
0
Being part means contributing to an institution that genuinely seeks to innovate and improve public services. Supportive leadership and a strong focus on community impact. Truly a reliable partner in every sense. The benefits package is competitive, including tuition assistance that demonstrates their commitment to education. The stability and comprehensive benefits are excellent, and it’s truly i...
Commented in October 24, 2024
44
0
Leadership maintains open communication, encouraging innovative ideas. Leadership genuinely cares about employee well-being, and my team collaborates well. This is a great place for those who value meaningful work.
Commented in February 10, 2024
37
3

The DESE Overview

Website
www.dese.mo.gov
Founded In
1875
Employees
200 - 500 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
PO Box 480 Jefferson City Missouri MO 65102
Revenue
$50 Million - $200 Million
Phone Number
+1 5737514212
Social Media
About The DESE
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education administers pre-collegiate and collegiate education in the State of Missouri. DESE oversees 2,348 schools and is responsible for the education of 886,396 students.

What Benefits Does The DESE Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. The DESE offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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What Is the Cost of Living Near Jefferson City?

Understanding the cost of living near Jefferson City is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at The DESE.
Jefferson City's Cost of Living Index is approximately 82.4 (17.6% less expensive than US average; 7.4% less than MO average). State capital, affordable housing. JEFFTRAN. When planning your budget based on a salary from The DESE, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $750 - $1,150+ A significant portion of The DESE salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $140 - $230 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $25 (JEFFTRAN monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $370 - $550 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $300 - $580+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $350 - $640+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $1,935 - $3,155+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of The DESE

1. How much does a The DESE employee make?

The DESE pays its employees an average of $94,573 per year. The average salary at The DESE range from $82,628 to $108,306 per year. It's important to remember that these are overall averages, actual salaries vary significantly based on specific job titles, years of experience, skills, and location.

2. Which similar company tend to pay more or less than The DESE?

The salary at The DESE is lesser than the similar company. The average annual salary at The DESE is $94,573, or an hourly wage of $45, in comparison to Multnomah Education Service District which pays $99,700 per year or $48 per hour.

3. How much does a Chief Operating Officer typically earn at The DESE?

A Chief Operating Officer at The DESE typically earns an average annual base salary of around $427,067, with a general range of $334,058 to $548,400.

4. Do employees with advanced degrees (Master's, PhD) earn more at The DESE?

In many roles at The DESE, particularly those requiring specialized knowledge or research capabilities (e.g., certain engineering, scientific, or financial roles), an advanced degree like a Master's or PhD can lead to a higher starting salary and faster career progression, thus higher earnings. However, for some roles, direct experience and skills might be valued as much or more than an advanced degree. The impact varies by field and specific job requirements.

5. How does the cost of living near Jefferson City affect the perceived value of a The DESE salary?

Jefferson City's Cost of Living Index is approximately 82.4 (17.6% less expensive than US average; 7.4% less than MO average). This significantly impacts the purchasing power of a salary from The DESE based there. Our "Cost of Living Insights for Jefferson City" module details this impact, helping you assess the 'real feel' value of your compensation.

6. What kind of benefits does The DESE typically offer employees?

The DESE generally offers a range of employee benefits designed to support their workforce's health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), a 401(k) retirement savings plan (often with a company match), paid time off (PTO), and potentially disability and life insurance are included. For a more detailed list of benefits, please see our "Employee Benefits at The DESE" section on this page.

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