Dive Into Statistics on Teacher Wages in Tucson, Arizona MSA
How are we doing?
Median Annual Wage for Secondary School Teachers (2023)
The median annual wage for secondary school teachers in the Tucson Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) was $49,460 in 2023. That ranked Tucson last out of 12 western MSAs. On the other hand, the San Diego MSA took the lead with a median annual wage of $105,100, which was approximately $56,000 higher than that of Tucson's secondary school teachers. Wages did increase slightly for secondary school teachers by just under $1,000 from the previous year. Secondary school teachers in Tucson earned an average of 9.0% more than the median wage for all occupations ($44,990). Among Tucson’s educators, middle school teachers were the lowest paid, while wages for elementary and secondary school teachers were slightly higher. All three were significantly below national levels in 2023.
Why is it important?
Research has shown that providing competitive wages for teachers has a significant effect on the decision to choose teaching as an occupation and remain in the field. Others have noted that insufficient compensation for teachers affects turnover and student success. Providing teachers with opportunities for advancement means that they are more likely to remain at the schools they were trained in, resulting in better learning outcomes for students, and return on investment for districts. Low wages, among other factors, lead the most qualified teachers to seek better opportunities, often located in wealthy suburbs. The resultant teacher sorting leaves low-income urban districts with the least qualified and experienced educators. Children of families who lack geographic mobility are consequently affected the most.
How do we compare?
In 2023, the median wage for teaching occupations in the Tucson MSA was $49,250. This level, which includes all teaching and related professionals, was higher than the median wage for all occupations in Tucson ($44,990). Secondary and elementary school teachers earned the highest, followed by middle school teachers. In Tucson, teacher wages are relatively low compared to other professions that require at least a bachelor’s degree.
Wages for elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers were slightly lower in the Tucson MSA than in Arizona. However, they were substantially below the U.S. in 2023. The median annual wages in Tucson for elementary, middle, and secondary teachers were $49,360, $49,260, and $49,460, respectively. Teachers were paid slightly higher wages statewide at $51,180, $51,660, and $61,290, although still considerably lower than the U.S. levels. Nationally, the median wages for elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers were $63,680, $64,290, and $65,220, respectively.
There is substantial variation in wages for secondary school teachers across the 12 metropolitan areas. Part of the variation may be driven by differences in the relative cost of living. Thus, adjusting for these cost of living differences may give us a different picture.
The fuel gauge below shows secondary school teacher wages adjusted for differences in the cost of living. Note that San Diego still ranked high among peer MSAs, and Tucson ranked second from last.
Secondary School Teacher Wages Adjusted for Cost of Living (2022)
In 2023, the wage for secondary school teachers in the Tucson MSA was 9.9% more than the median wage for all occupations. It is important to keep in mind that the median wage for all occupations reflects both low and high-skilled workers, with a large number of occupations requiring little education. In contrast, nearly all secondary school teachers have at least a bachelor’s degree and many have a graduate degree. Thus, we expect teachers to earn wages above the median for all occupations.
Note from the fuel gauge below that secondary school teachers in Tucson ranked second to last among the 12 metropolitan areas on this metric.
Secondary School Teacher Wages Relative to the Median for All Occupations (2023)
How is it measured?
Teacher wage data are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES). 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 a series of 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.