Drake University Head Start Salary

How much does the Drake University Head Start Pay for employees?

As of August 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Drake University Head Start in the United States is $82,422. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $40. Salaries at Drake University Head Start typically range from $72,071 to $94,308 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company. Drake University Head Start’s salaries are influenced by a wide range of factors including job role, department, years of experience, and location.
DISCLAIMER: The salary range presented here is an estimation that has been derived from our proprietary algorithm. It should be noted that this range does not originate from the company's factual payroll records or survey data.

How Much Does Drake University Head Start Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Drake University Head Start. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for popular roles within the company, helping you benchmark potential earnings. Use 'View by Card/Table' option to find the data most relevant to your career path.
DISCLAIMER: The salary range presented here is an estimation that has been derived from our proprietary algorithm. It should be noted that this range does not originate from the company's factual payroll records or survey data.
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Current Job Openings at Drake University Head Start

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

Is Drake University Head Start’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Drake University Head Start’s compensation stack up against the market? This analysis visualizes their annual average salary compared to its industry benchmark and key peer companies.
Peer Company & Industry Benchmarking
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Average Salary ($/year)
Drake University Head Start
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Five Star Learning Center
Hitchcock House
Industry Comparison
Our data shows that, on average, compensation at Drake University Head Start is below the average for the U.S. Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry by approximately 29%. This positioning suggests their pay is below the market average within their sector.
Peer Company Comparison
To provide a broader market perspective, we compared Drake University Head Start average annual salary with several similar companies. Drake University Head Start average salary of $82,422 is lower than Five Star Learning Center, which has an average salary of $83,994. It is higher than Hitchcock House, with their average salary at $78,699. This places Drake University Head Start in a mid-range position among its peers.
See Your True Competitors
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Employee Reviews: Working at Drake University Head Start

Considering a career at Drake University Head Start? 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.
Some policies feel outdated or unclear. Leadership encourages open dialogue and collaboration, while wellness and recognition programs help maintain high morale. Leadership encourages learning and development. I deeply appreciate dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The culture values diversity and inclusivity, ensuring all voices are heard and respected. It’s a pleasure working with people who clearly take pride in serving their community well. Staff try their best but may need additional support or training to handle complex requests. The company’s commitment to impactful public service projects inspires employees to deliver their best work consistently. Fo...
I appreciate the job security and benefits, though salaries remain average. What I enjoy most about this job is the consistency. This organization fosters a strong sense of community, emphasizing employee growth, collaboration, and professional development.

Drake University Head Start Overview

Website
www.drakeheadstart.org
Founded In
Data pending, update soon.
Employees
<25 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
3206 University Ave Des Moines Iowa IA 50311
Revenue
<$5 Million
Phone Number
+1 5152711854
Social Media
About Drake University Head Start
Drake University Head Start, including Early Head Start, is the largest Head Start grantee in the state of Iowa and one of only a few university-based Head Start programs in the nation.

What Benefits Does Drake University Head Start Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Drake University Head Start 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 Des Moines?

Understanding the cost of living near Des Moines is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Drake University Head Start.
Des Moines' Cost of Living Index is approximately 80.8 (19.2% less expensive than US average; 10.1% less than IA average). State capital, affordable housing, growing. DART bus. When planning your budget based on a salary from Drake University Head Start, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $850 - $1,300+ A significant portion of Drake University Head Start salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $130 - $220 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $48 (DART 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 $330 - $600+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $350 - $650+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,078 - $3,328+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Drake University Head Start

1. How much does a Drake University Head Start employee make?

Drake University Head Start pays its employees an average of $82,422 per year. The average salary at Drake University Head Start range from $72,071 to $94,308 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 Drake University Head Start?

The salary at Drake University Head Start is lesser than the similar company. The average annual salary at Drake University Head Start is $82,422, or an hourly wage of $40, in comparison to Five Star Learning Center which pays $83,994 per year or $40 per hour.

3. Do employees with advanced degrees (Master's, PhD) earn more at Drake University Head Start?

In many roles at Drake University Head Start, 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.

4. How does the cost of living near Des Moines affect the perceived value of a Drake University Head Start salary?

Des Moines' Cost of Living Index is approximately 80.8 (19.2% less expensive than US average; 10.1% less than IA average). This significantly impacts the purchasing power of a salary from Drake University Head Start based there. Our "Cost of Living Insights for Des Moines" module details this impact, helping you assess the 'real feel' value of your compensation.

5. What kind of benefits does Drake University Head Start typically offer employees?

Drake University Head Start 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 Drake University Head Start" section on this page.