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Registered Nurse Salary in Tucson, AZ — 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.

Registered Nurse Salary in Tucson — Key Numbers

$78,324
Median Salary
$62,690
25th Percentile
$97,998
75th Percentile
$120,739
90th Percentile
National median (Registered Nurse)$86,070
vs. National median-9.0%
Tucson median household income$50,000
vs. City household income+56.6%

Cost of Living in Tucson

Cost of Living Index
91(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$868/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio13.3%
Annual rent cost$10,416
Median Home Price$295,000
Home Price / Salary3.8×
20% Down Payment$59,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.8 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 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.

Financial Calculators for Tucson

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Cost of Living — Tucson
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Registered Nurse Salary in Arizona
Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Tucson

Physician$208,663Chief Executive Officer$191,100Dentist$159,714IT Manager$154,254Marketing Manager$143,434Lawyer$132,642

Registered Nurse Salary — Other Arizona Cities

Phoenix, AZ$91,234

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Tucson, AZ?

The estimated median salary for a Registered Nurse in Tucson is $78,324 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $86,070 adjusted by Tucson's cost of living index (91). The typical salary range runs from $62,690 (25th percentile) to $97,998 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $120,739.

Is Tucson affordable for a Registered Nurse?

On a $78,324 annual salary, a Registered Nurse in Tucson would spend approximately 13.3% 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 3.8× the annual salary.

How does a Registered Nurse's salary compare to Tucson's overall income?

Tucson's median household income is $50,000. A Registered Nurse earning the city-adjusted median of $78,324 earns 56.6% more than the typical Tucson household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Registered Nurse — NationalRegistered Nurse in ArizonaAll 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.