Creative & Education Arizona (AZ) Rank #19 of 50

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Arizona

The median teacher (k-12) salary in Arizona is $59,839 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $61,690.

Median Salary
$59,839
vs National
$-1,851
State Rank
#19 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Teacher (K-12) Salary Overview in Arizona (2026)

Arizona ranks #19 out of 50 states for teacher (k-12) compensation. Arizona falls in the middle of the pack for teacher (k-12) pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $59,839 per year, teacher (k-12)s in Arizona earn $1,851 less than the national median of $61,690.

Arizona's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning teacher (k-12) salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Arizona is significant: teacher (k-12)s at the 10th percentile earn $40,158, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $97,970 — a $57,812 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arizona for this role is Scottsdale, where the median reaches $69,093.

Nationally, teacher (k-12) employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for teacher (k-12)s across the country.

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Arizona by Experience

In Arizona, an entry-level teacher (k-12) earns around $40,740, while experienced professionals earn up to $89,240 per year. The cost of living index in Arizona is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,740
$-1,260 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,140
$-1,860 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$89,240
$-2,760 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arizona

Percentile AZ Salary
10th Percentile $40,158
25th Percentile $47,336
Median (50th) $59,839
75th Percentile $76,824
90th Percentile $97,970

Teacher (K-12) Salary by City in Arizona

The largest employment areas for teacher (k-12)s in Arizona include Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Scottsdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Teacher (K-12) in Arizona

Education

Most teacher (k-12) positions require a bachelor's degree. Arizona has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Lesson PlanningClassroom ManagementAssessmentDifferentiated InstructionCommunicationEducational Technology

Job Outlook in Arizona

Nationally, teacher (k-12) employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). Arizona's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Teacher (K-12) Salary in Arizona

How much does a Teacher (K-12) make in Arizona? ▼
The median teacher (k-12) salary in Arizona is $59,839 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $61,690. Salaries range from $40,158 (10th percentile) to $97,970 (90th percentile).
How much does a Teacher (K-12) make per hour in Arizona? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,839, a teacher (k-12) in Arizona earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arizona a good state for teacher (k-12)s? ▼
Arizona ranks #19 out of 50 states for teacher (k-12) pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level teacher (k-12)s earn $40,740, while senior professionals earn $89,240.
How does Arizona compare to other states for teacher (k-12) salary? ▼
The highest paying state for teacher (k-12)s is Hawaii at $104,873. Arizona's median of $59,839 ranks #19 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Florida ($60,456) and Maine ($60,456).
What is the entry-level teacher (k-12) salary in Arizona? ▼
An entry-level teacher (k-12) in Arizona earns approximately $40,740 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $60,140. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $89,240.
What city in Arizona pays teacher (k-12)s the most? ▼
Scottsdale is the highest paying city in Arizona for teacher (k-12)s, with a median salary of $69,093. Other cities include Phoenix and Tucson.