How does a Professor's salary in Phoenix compare to the rest of Arizona?

Phoenix's cost of living index is 106 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted upward accordingly. A Professor earning the city-adjusted median of $89,443 earns $21,843 more than the median household income in Phoenix ($67,600).

Professor Salary in Phoenix, AZ — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Phoenix's cost of living (index: 106). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Professor Salary in Phoenix — Key Numbers

$89,443

Median Salary

$61,056

25th Percentile

$129,808

75th Percentile

$179,055

90th Percentile

National median (Professor)$84,380

vs. National median+6.0%

Phoenix median household income$67,600

vs. City household income+32.3%

Cost of Living in Phoenix

Cost of Living Index

106(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$1,150/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio15.4%

Annual rent cost$13,800

Median Home Price$420,000

Home Price / Salary4.7×

20% Down Payment$84,000

Years to save (20% rate)4.7 yrs

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

Job Market in Phoenix

3.7%

Unemployment Rate

5,130,000

Metro Population

26 min

Avg Commute

33.8

Median Age

Phoenix has a metro population of 5,130,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 3.7% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Financial Calculators for Phoenix

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Cost of Living — Phoenix

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Professor Salary in Arizona

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Phoenix

Physician$243,058 Chief Executive Officer$222,600 Dentist$186,041 IT Manager$179,681 Marketing Manager$167,077 Lawyer$154,506

Professor Salary — Other Arizona Cities

Tucson, AZ$76,786

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Professor make in Phoenix, AZ?

The estimated median salary for a Professor in Phoenix is $89,443 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $84,380 adjusted by Phoenix's cost of living index (106). The typical salary range runs from $61,056 (25th percentile) to $129,808 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $179,055.

Is Phoenix affordable for a Professor?

On a $89,443 annual salary, a Professor in Phoenix would spend approximately 15.4% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,150/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Phoenix relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $420,000 is 4.7× the annual salary.

How does a Professor's salary compare to Phoenix's overall income?

Phoenix's median household income is $67,600. A Professor earning the city-adjusted median of $89,443 earns 32.3% more than the typical Phoenix household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Professor — National Professor in Arizona All Salary Guides

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.