Surprise vs Tucson: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Surprise, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Surprise, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,345▲ | $47,683 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.25▲ | $22.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,691 | $40,543▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,701 | $46,269▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $61,882▲ | $60,224 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,935 | $78,421▲ |
| Total Employed | 31 | 3,530▲ |
Verdict
Surprise and Tucson are closely matched on overall elementary school teacher compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Surprise and Tucson is $662 (1.39%). Surprise's median is -25.16% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Surprise spans $38,244,Tucson spans $37,878. Surprise has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Tucson ($49,210 effective) pays 0.26% more than Surprise ($49,081 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Surprise if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,345/year)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,421)
- ✓Larger job market (3,530 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,210)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Surprise grew -16.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.1% growth in Tucson over the same period.
Surprise, AZ
$57,007 (2024) → $47,876 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$41,740 (2019) → $47,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Surprise, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Surprise or Tucson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Surprise and Tucson?
Should I relocate from Surprise to Tucson as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Surprise vs Tucson?
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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.
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