Teacher Salary

Phoenix vs Sahuarita: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Phoenix, AZ and Sahuarita, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Phoenix, AZ
$59,760
$28.73/hr
Sahuarita, AZ
$46,773
$22.49/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPhoenix, AZSahuarita, AZ
Median Salary$59,760$46,773
Hourly Rate$28.73$22.49
Entry Level (P10)$47,854$37,839
25th Percentile$49,319$43,771
75th Percentile$67,828$57,595
Top Earner (P90)$82,319$72,498
Total Employed16,5605
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Phoenix ($59,760) and Sahuarita ($46,773) elementary school teacher salaries.PhoenixSahuaritaMedian Salary$59,760$46,773Entry Level (P10)$47,854$37,839Top Earner (P90)$82,319$72,498US Median $64,597

Verdict

Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sahuarita.

The salary gap between Phoenix and Sahuarita is $12,987 (27.77%). Phoenix's median is -7.49% compared to the US national median of $64,597.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Phoenix spans $34,465,Sahuarita spans $34,659. Sahuarita has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced elementary school teachers.

Phoenix
P10 (Entry)$47,854
P25$49,319
Median$59,760
P75$67,828
P90 (Top)$82,319
Sahuarita
P10 (Entry)$37,839
P25$43,771
Median$46,773
P75$57,595
P90 (Top)$72,498

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Phoenix ($57,842 effective) pays 21.81% more than Sahuarita ($47,485 effective).

Phoenix
Nominal: $59,760
CoL Index: 103.316
Adjusted: $57,842
Sahuarita
Nominal: $46,773
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $47,485

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Phoenix if…

  • Higher median salary ($59,760/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($82,319)
  • Larger job market (16,560 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,842)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Sahuarita if…

  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Phoenix grew 29.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -16.0% growth in Sahuarita over the same period.

Phoenix, AZ

+29.6%

$45,660 (2019) → $59,180 (2025)

Sahuarita, AZ

+-16.0%

$55,152 (2024) → $46,319 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Phoenix or Sahuarita?

Phoenix has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $59,760/year, compared to Sahuarita at $46,773/year — a difference of $12,987 (27.77%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and Sahuarita?

Phoenix elementary school teachers earn $28.73/hr while Sahuarita hygienists earn $22.49/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Phoenix to Sahuarita as a elementary school teacher?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Phoenix and Sahuarita. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Phoenix = $57,842, Sahuarita = $47,485), job availability (16,560 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Phoenix vs Sahuarita?

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $47,854 in Phoenix and $37,839 in Sahuarita. The Phoenix area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.

Career Analyst

Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, MAData verified by David Kim, Ed.D.

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov