Dive Into Statistics on Teacher Wages in Tucson, Arizona MSA
How are we doing?
Median Annual Wage for Secondary School Teachers (2025)
The median annual wage for secondary school teachers in the Tucson Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) was $50,940 in 2025. That ranked Tucson last among peer western MSAs. The San Diego MSA reported the highest median annual wage for secondary school teachers at $102,810, about $51,000 higher than Tucson. Secondary school teachers in Tucson earned 6.4% more than the median wage for all occupations ($47,760). Among Tucson's educators, elementary school teachers earned the lowest wages, while middle school teachers earned the highest. Secondary school teacher wages fell between the two. All three were significantly below national levels in 2025.
Why is it important?
Competitive teacher wages can influence a school district's ability to recruit and retain educators. Compensation is one of several factors that may affect career decisions, workforce stability, and teacher retention. Teacher turnover can create challenges for schools by increasing recruitment and training costs and disrupting instruction. Teacher compensation can also influence the distribution of educators across regions and school districts. Differences in wages and working conditions may impact where teachers choose to work.
How do we compare?
In 2025, the median wage for teaching occupations in the Tucson MSA was $49,170. This occupation, which includes all teaching and related professionals, had a median wage higher than the median wage for all occupations in Tucson ($47,760). Middle and secondary school teachers earned the highest, followed by elementary school teachers. In Tucson, teacher wages are generally lower than wages in many occupations that also require a bachelor’s degree.
Wages for elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers were lower in the Tucson MSA than in Arizona and the U.S. in 2025. Median annual wages in Tucson were $47,220 for elementary school teachers, $57,460 for middle school teachers, and $50,940 for secondary school teachers. Statewide wages were moderately higher at $56,590, $59,710, and $58,360, respectively. Nationally, teacher wages were substantially higher, with median annual pay reaching $63,970 for elementary school teachers, $64,370 for middle school teachers, and $72,040 for secondary school teachers.
Wages for secondary school teachers vary across metropolitan areas, in part because the cost of living differs from place to place. Adjusting wages for regional cost-of-living differences provides additional context when comparing teacher pay across regions.
The graph below shows secondary school teacher wages adjusted for differences in the cost of living. After adjusting for cost-of-living differences, San Diego remained among the highest-ranked peer MSAs, while Tucson continued to rank last. The latest available data on the cost-of-living adjustment is from 2024.
In 2025, the wage for secondary school teachers in the Tucson MSA was 6.7% more than the median wage for all occupations. The median wage for all occupations includes jobs requiring a wide range of education and skill levels. In contrast, secondary school teachers generally hold at least a bachelor’s degree, and many have advanced degrees. Among the 12 metropolitan areas tracked on the MAP Dashboard, Tucson ranked last in this measure.
Secondary School Teacher Wages Relative to the Median for All Occupations (2025)
What are the key trends?
From 2000 to 2025, the median annual wage for secondary school teachers increased nationwide, in Arizona, and in the Phoenix and Tucson MSAs. Nationally, wages increased from $40,870 in 2000 to $72,040 in 2025, a gain of 76.3%. Arizona and Phoenix saw the same wage growth over the period, with both increasing by 62.0%. The Tucson MSA lagged behind, with secondary school teacher wages increasing by 32.5%, from $38,440 in 2000 to $50,940 in 2025. As a result, Tucson experienced the slowest wage growth, widening the gap in teacher wages relative to Arizona, Phoenix, and the nation.
How is it measured?
Teacher wage data are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). OEWS data are derived from a semiannual survey of establishments in the U.S., which examines full and part-time workers in all nonfarm industries. Wage estimates are based on six panels of survey data collected over a three-year cycle. Wages include base pay, allowances, incentive pay, commissions, bonuses, and tips; it excludes back pay, overtime, severance, employer costs for benefits, and tuition reimbursements.
