Special Education Teacher Salary in Tucson, AZ: $58,553 (2026)

Special Education Teacher Pay in Tucson: What to Expect (2026)

Tucson offers a median special education teacher salary of $58,553, which is $2,518 below the Arizona state average of $61,071. Compared to the national median of $62,960, 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 special education teachers in Tucson spans from $39,060 at the 10th percentile to $89,280 at the 90th percentile — a $50,220 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,920, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,700. 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.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Tucson by Experience

In Tucson, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $40,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$40,920

$-3,080 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$59,520

$-4,480 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$83,700

$-6,300 vs national

Percentile	Tucson	AZ State	National
10th Percentile	$39,060	$40,740	$42,000
25th Percentile	$46,500	$48,500	$50,000
Median (50th)	$58,553	$61,071	$62,960
75th Percentile	$72,540	$75,660	$78,000
90th Percentile	$89,280	$93,120	$96,000

Percentile

Tucson

10th Percentile

$39,060

25th Percentile

$46,500

Median (50th)

$58,553

75th Percentile

$72,540

90th Percentile

$89,280

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Tucson

Education

Most special education teacher positions require a bachelor's degree. Tucson and the surrounding Arizona area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

IEP DevelopmentAdaptive TeachingAssessmentBehavioral ManagementCommunicationPatience

Job Outlook

Nationally, special education teacher employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Tucson may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Tucson

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Tucson, AZ? ▼

The median special education teacher salary in Tucson, Arizona is $58,553 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $39,060 (10th percentile) to $89,280 (90th percentile).

How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Tucson? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $58,553, a special education teacher in Tucson earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Tucson compare to the Arizona state average for special education teacher pay? ▼

Tucson's median special education teacher salary of $58,553 is 4.1% below the Arizona state average of $61,071. 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 special education teacher salary of $58,553 in Tucson has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a special education teacher in Tucson? ▼

Most special education teacher positions in Tucson require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include IEP Development, Adaptive Teaching, Assessment, Behavioral Management. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Tucson, Arizona