Elementary School Teacher Salary in Tucson, AZ: $47,683 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Tucson, AZ earns a median $47,683/year (≈ $22.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Tucson's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 96.9), that paycheck buys what $49,210 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Arizona state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Tucson, Arizona, the projected median annual salary for elementary school teachers in 2026 is $47,683, which reflects a notable gap compared to the national figure of $64,597. The salary range for this position varies significantly, with the lowest 10 percent earning around $40,543 and the highest 90 percent making up to $78,421. This data, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, highlights the socioeconomic dynamics of Tucson, particularly against its cost of living index of 96.896, which suggests that living expenses are below the national average. Understanding this context is essential for prospective educators, as the effective compensation in Tucson must consider both the salary figures and the regional cost structure.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,543 | $19.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,269 | $22.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,683 | $22.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,224 | $28.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,421 | $37.71 |
Median Salary Position
26.18% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tucson
In Tucson, AZ, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,878 (2026 est.). At $47,683, the local median is 26.18% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tucson: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Tucson Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Tucson median: $47,683/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tucson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $48,458 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | -26.18% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Tucson, AZ earn a median of $47,683 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.18% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 1.60% below the Arizona state average of $48,458.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tucson has a cost of living 3.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tucson, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 96.896 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $47,683 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,210 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.2% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,740
2025 BLS Actual
$47,220
2026 Current Est.
$47,683
2019–2027 Growth
+15.4%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Tucson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,740 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,250 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,910 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,940 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,360 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,170 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,220 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,683 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,150 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tucson metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 13.1% from $41,740 (2019) to $47,220 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,150 by 2027 — a total increase of $6,410 (15.36%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tucson metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 0.98% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $40,543 – $46,269 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,269 – $47,683 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,683 – $60,224 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,224 – $78,421 |
Teacher salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual elementary school teacher compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Elementary School Teacher Job Market in Tucson
A key element of the local job market is the employment of approximately 3,530 elementary school teachers in the area, indicating a stable demand for educators. The cost of living index suggests that while base salaries might seem lower than the national average, teachers’ purchasing power may still be viable. In Tucson, K-12 public school districts typically adhere to a structured step-and-lane pay scale, which compensates educators based on their years of experience and education level. To maximize earning potential, teachers can seek opportunities in high-paying charter networks, such as KIPP, which often offer stipends for special education or STEM roles. Additionally, taking on summer school or extended contracts, pursuing National Board Certification, and continuing education can enhance salary prospects significantly. Overall, understanding the local educational landscape and financial intricacies is crucial for teachers to thrive in Tucson's competitive environment.
More salary data for Tucson, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $47,220 for elementary school teachersin the Tucson metropolitan area. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.98%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for elementary school teachers (SOC 25-2021).
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