Elementary School Teacher Salary in Arizona
Based on 24K+ workers in Arizona
Median Annual Salary (AZ)
$56,590
$27.21/hr
vs National Average
$68,176
-17.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$43K – $79K
24K employed in Arizona
Elementary School Teacher salary in Arizona averages $56,590 per year, according to current labor data. With approximately 24,240 educators in this role across the state, teaching remains a significant profession in Arizona's workforce. However, this median falls notably short of national benchmarks, positioning Arizona's teacher compensation below the broader U.S. average.
Several factors influence Elementary School Teacher salary in Arizona, including years of experience, educational credentials, and district funding levels. Urban districts like Phoenix and Scottsdale typically offer higher compensation than rural areas, while specialized certifications and advanced degrees can lead to increased earning potential. Local cost of living variations and state budget allocations also play meaningful roles in determining individual teacher compensation across different regions.
Salary Distribution — Elementary School Teacher in Arizona
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $43,370 |
| 25th percentile | $47,900 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $56,590 |
| 75th percentile | $63,440 |
| 90th percentile | $79,470 |
Top-Paying Industries for Elementary School Teacher (U.S.)
Which industries pay Elementary School Teachers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Elementary School Teachers in Arizona tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $72,990 | 540 |
| Educational Services | $63,970 | 1.4M |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $49,340 | 2K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $46,390 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Elementary School Teacher in Arizona vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arizona) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,480 |
| 2023 | $51,180 |
| 2024 | $50,980 |
| 2025 | $56,590 |
| 2026 (projected) | $59,985 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arizona Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,480 | $61,148 |
| 2023 | $51,180 | $64,171 |
| 2024 | $50,980 | $64,107 |
| 2025 | $56,590 | $68,176 |
| 2026 (projected) | $59,985 | $72,267 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary by Experience Level in Arizona
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,900 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $56,590 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $63,440 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $79,470 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Elementary School Teacher Salaries in Arizona
How other high-demand occupations in Arizona compare to Elementary School Teacher ($56,590 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Elementary School Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in AZ | $62,620 | +10.7% | $30.11/hr |
| Librarian in AZ | $60,500 | +6.9% | $29.09/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in AZ | $59,710 | +5.5% | $28.71/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in AZ | $58,360 | +3.1% | $28.06/hr |
| School Counselor in AZ | $58,250 | +2.9% | $28.00/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in AZ | $52,830 | -6.6% | $25.40/hr |
| Tutor in AZ | $44,110 | -22.1% | $21.21/hr |
| Writer and Author in AZ | $55,990 | -1.1% | $26.92/hr |
| Truck Driver in AZ | $58,080 | +2.6% | $27.92/hr |
| Graphic Designer in AZ | $58,510 | +3.4% | $28.13/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in AZ | $58,780 | +3.9% | $28.26/hr |
| Firefighter in AZ | $59,280 | +4.8% | $28.50/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do elementary school teachers make in Arizona?
- Elementary school teachers in Arizona earn a median salary of $56,590 per year, or approximately $27 per hour. This is about 17% below the national average for elementary teachers.
What is the salary range for elementary teachers in Arizona?
- Elementary school teacher salaries in Arizona range from $43,370 at the lower end to $79,470 at the higher end, reflecting differences in experience, location, and school district funding.
How many elementary school teachers are employed in Arizona?
- There are approximately 24,240 elementary school teachers currently employed in Arizona.
Is the elementary teacher salary in Arizona lower than the national average?
- Yes, Arizona's median elementary teacher salary of $56,590 is 17% below the national average, making it one of the lower-paying states for this profession.