The DESE Salary

How much does the The DESE Pay for employees?

As of August 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. The DESE’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 The DESE Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at The DESE. 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 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 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)
The DESE
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Multnomah Education Service District
Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology and Research Academy
Industry Comparison
Our data shows that, on average, compensation at The DESE is below the average for the U.S. Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry by approximately 18%. This positioning suggests their pay is below the market average within their sector.
Peer Company Comparison
To provide a broader market perspective, we compared The DESE average annual salary with several similar companies. The DESE average salary of $94,573 is lower than Multnomah Education Service District, which has an average salary of $99,700. It is lower than Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology and Research Academy, with their average salary at $99,225. This places The DESE in a developing position among its peers.
See Your True Competitors
The companies behind the question marks could be hiring your best people. Don't operate with incomplete data. Unlock your full competitive view with Salary.com for Business to precisely benchmark salaries, benefits, and more against your true competitors.

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.
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.
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...
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...
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.

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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How Much Should You Be Earning?

Get an estimated calculation of how much you should be earning and insight into your career options.

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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.