Skip to main content

High School Teacher Salary in Tucson, AZ β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Tucson's cost of living (index: 91). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

High School Teacher Salary in Tucson β€” Key Numbers

$57,385
Median Salary
$44,818
25th Percentile
$73,546
75th Percentile
$91,501
90th Percentile
National median (High School Teacher)$63,060
vs. National median-9.0%
Tucson median household income$50,000
vs. City household income+14.8%

Cost of Living in Tucson

Cost of Living Index
91(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$868/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio18.2%
Annual rent cost$10,416
Median Home Price$295,000
Home Price / Salary5.1Γ—
20% Down Payment$59,000
Years to save (20% rate)5.1 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Tucson

4.4%
Unemployment Rate
1,050,000
Metro Population
23 min
Avg Commute
34.5
Median Age

Tucson has a metro population of 1,050,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 4.4% unemployment rate is near the national average.

High School Teacher Salary β€” Other Arizona Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a High School Teacher make in Tucson, AZ?

The estimated median salary for a High School Teacher in Tucson is $57,385 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $63,060 adjusted by Tucson's cost of living index (91). The typical salary range runs from $44,818 (25th percentile) to $73,546 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $91,501.

Is Tucson affordable for a High School Teacher?

On a $57,385 annual salary, a High School Teacher in Tucson would spend approximately 18.2% of gross monthly income on median rent ($868/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Tucson relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $295,000 is 5.1Γ— the annual salary.

How does a High School Teacher's salary compare to Tucson's overall income?

Tucson's median household income is $50,000. A High School Teacher earning the city-adjusted median of $57,385 earns 14.8% more than the typical Tucson household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.