College Professor Salary in Tucson, AZ: $78,008 (2026)

College Professor Pay in Tucson: What to Expect (2026)

Tucson offers a median college professor salary of $78,008, which is $3,356 below the Arizona state average of $81,364. Compared to the national median of $83,880, Tucson pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Tucson's cost of living is 93% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for college professors in Tucson spans from $41,850 at the 10th percentile to $156,240 at the 90th percentile — a $114,390 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,640, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $148,800. As a major metro area with a population of 542,629, Tucson typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

College Professor Salary in Tucson by Experience

In Tucson, an entry-level college professor earns around $44,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $148,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$44,640

$-3,360 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$79,980

$-6,020 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$148,800

$-11,200 vs national

Percentile	Tucson	AZ State	National
10th Percentile	$41,850	$43,650	$45,000
25th Percentile	$55,800	$58,200	$60,000
Median (50th)	$78,008	$81,364	$83,880
75th Percentile	$111,600	$116,400	$120,000
90th Percentile	$156,240	$162,960	$168,000

Percentile

Tucson

10th Percentile

$41,850

25th Percentile

$55,800

Median (50th)

$78,008

75th Percentile

$111,600

90th Percentile

$156,240

How to Become a College Professor in Tucson

Education

Most college professor positions require a doctoral degree. Tucson and the surrounding Arizona area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

TeachingResearchPublishingCurriculum DesignAcademic AdvisingGrant Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, college professor employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Tucson may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Tucson

How much does a College Professor make in Tucson, AZ? ▼

The median college professor salary in Tucson, Arizona is $78,008 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $41,850 (10th percentile) to $156,240 (90th percentile).

How much does a College Professor make per hour in Tucson? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $78,008, a college professor in Tucson earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Tucson compare to the Arizona state average for college professor pay? ▼

Tucson's median college professor salary of $78,008 is 4.1% below the Arizona state average of $81,364. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Tucson, AZ? ▼

Tucson has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a college professor salary of $78,008 in Tucson has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Tucson? ▼

Most college professor positions in Tucson require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Teaching, Research, Publishing, Curriculum Design. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.

College Professor Salary in Tucson, Arizona