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As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Teacher in Iowa is $101,449 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $49.
However, a Lead Teacher's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Lead Teacher Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $114,109 | $9,509 | $2,194 | $55 |
| Average | $101,449 | $8,454 | $1,951 | $49 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,093 | $7,424 | $1,713 | $43 |
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Little Endeavors Child Development Center - Ankeny, IA
A Lead Teacher's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Lead Teachers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Lead Teacher roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 10% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Education, offers compensation 5% above the average. Conversely, Lead Teacher positions in Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Lead Teacher as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education | $106,521 | $51.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Lead Teacher's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $114,109 | $9,509 | $2,194 | $55 |
| Average | $101,449 | $8,454 | $1,951 | $49 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,093 | $7,424 | $1,713 | $43 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lead Teacher job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
923-Ashworth
West Des Moines, IA
923-Ashworth | West Des Moines, IA
Job Description. Job Description. Overview. What You’ll Do. Create a. warm, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment. where every child is treated wi... more
3 Days Ago
Iowa Community Action Association - West Central Community Action
Hastings, IA
Iowa Community Action Association - West Central Community Action | Hastings, IA
Job Description. Job Description. TEACHER/CENTER SUPERVISORNEEDED FOR THEMills County Head Start located in Hastings, Iowa. West Central Community Action ... more
4 Days Ago
922-Ankeny
Ankeny, IA
922-Ankeny | Ankeny, IA
Job Description. Job Description. Overview. What You’ll Do. Create a. warm, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment. where every child is treated wi... more
5 Days Ago
Little Endeavors Child Development Center
Ankeny, IA
Little Endeavors Child Development Center | Ankeny, IA
Job Description. Job Description. Join Our Team as a Lead Teacher for 3-year-olds at Little Endeavors Child Development Center in Ankeny, IA. Are you passi... more
7 Days Ago
Iowa Community Action Association - West Central Community Action
Council Bluffs, IA
Iowa Community Action Association - West Central Community Action | Council Bluffs, IA
Job Description. Job Description. LEAD TEACHER/CENTER SUPERVISORNEEDED FOR THECOUNCIL BLUFFSHEAD START CLASSROOM West Central Community Action is seeking a... more
3 Days Ago
All God's Children
Swisher, IA
All God's Children | Swisher, IA
Job Description. Job Description. The Shueyville Church in Partner with College Community School District. All God’s Children Preschool & Childcare. Presch... more
5 Days Ago
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