School Counselor Salary in Tucson, AZ: $55,930 (2026)

School Counselor Pay in Tucson: What to Expect (2026)

Tucson offers a median school counselor salary of $55,930, which is $2,406 below the Arizona state average of $58,336. Compared to the national median of $60,140, 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 school counselors in Tucson spans from $35,526 at the 10th percentile to $88,164 at the 90th percentile — a $52,638 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,200, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,050. 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.

School Counselor Salary in Tucson by Experience

In Tucson, an entry-level school counselor earns around $37,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,050 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$37,200

$-2,800 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$55,800

$-4,200 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$79,050

$-5,950 vs national

Percentile	Tucson	AZ State	National
10th Percentile	$35,526	$37,054	$38,200
25th Percentile	$43,710	$45,590	$47,000
Median (50th)	$55,930	$58,336	$60,140
75th Percentile	$70,866	$73,914	$76,200
90th Percentile	$88,164	$91,956	$94,800

Percentile

Tucson

10th Percentile

$35,526

25th Percentile

$43,710

Median (50th)

$55,930

75th Percentile

$70,866

90th Percentile

$88,164

How to Become a School Counselor in Tucson

Education

Most school counselor positions require a master's degree. Tucson and the surrounding Arizona area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CounselingCollege PlanningCrisis InterventionGroup FacilitationActive ListeningStudent Assessment

Job Outlook

Nationally, school counselor employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Tucson may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Tucson

How much does a School Counselor make in Tucson, AZ? ▼

The median school counselor salary in Tucson, Arizona is $55,930 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $35,526 (10th percentile) to $88,164 (90th percentile).

How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Tucson? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $55,930, a school counselor in Tucson earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Tucson compare to the Arizona state average for school counselor pay? ▼

Tucson's median school counselor salary of $55,930 is 4.1% below the Arizona state average of $58,336. 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 school counselor salary of $55,930 in Tucson has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Tucson? ▼

Most school counselor positions in Tucson require a master's degree. Key skills include Counseling, College Planning, Crisis Intervention, Group Facilitation. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.

School Counselor Salary in Tucson, Arizona