Middle School Teacher Salary in Arizona
Based on 9K+ workers in Arizona
Median Annual Salary (AZ)
$59,710
$28.71/hr
vs National Average
$68,569
-12.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$47K – $81K
9K employed in Arizona
Middle School Teacher salary in Arizona averages $59,710 annually, with approximately 9,020 educators in this role across the state. This median falls about 13% below the national average, reflecting regional cost-of-living differences and state funding structures. Teachers in this position typically earn between $46,940 and $81,420 depending on individual circumstances.
Several factors influence Middle School Teacher salary in Arizona, including years of experience, educational credentials, and the specific school district's budget. Urban districts often offer competitive compensation compared to rural areas. Additionally, specialized certifications, advanced degrees, and performance metrics can impact earning potential. Geographic location within the state and whether teachers work in public or charter schools also play significant roles in salary variation.
Salary Distribution — Middle School Teacher in Arizona
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $46,940 |
| 25th percentile | $49,940 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $59,710 |
| 75th percentile | $65,990 |
| 90th percentile | $81,420 |
Top-Paying Industries for Middle School Teacher (U.S.)
Which industries pay Middle School Teachers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Middle School Teachers in Arizona tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $65,240 | — |
| Educational Services | $64,390 | 619K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $58,330 | 560 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $54,370 | 290 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Middle School Teacher in Arizona vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arizona) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,160 |
| 2023 | $51,660 |
| 2024 | $59,060 |
| 2025 | $59,710 |
| 2026 (projected) | $60,367 |
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 | $48,160 | $62,704 |
| 2023 | $51,660 | $65,652 |
| 2024 | $59,060 | $65,433 |
| 2025 | $59,710 | $68,569 |
| 2026 (projected) | $60,367 | $69,324 |
Middle School Teacher Salary by Experience Level in Arizona
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $49,940 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $59,710 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $65,990 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $81,420 |
Middle School Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Middle School Teacher Salaries in Arizona
How other high-demand occupations in Arizona compare to Middle School Teacher ($59,710 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Middle School Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in AZ | $62,620 | +4.9% | $30.11/hr |
| Librarian in AZ | $60,500 | +1.3% | $29.09/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in AZ | $58,360 | -2.3% | $28.06/hr |
| School Counselor in AZ | $58,250 | -2.4% | $28.00/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in AZ | $56,590 | -5.2% | $27.21/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in AZ | $52,830 | -11.5% | $25.40/hr |
| Tutor in AZ | $44,110 | -26.1% | $21.21/hr |
| Firefighter in AZ | $59,280 | -0.7% | $28.50/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in AZ | $60,170 | +0.8% | $28.93/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in AZ | $58,780 | -1.6% | $28.26/hr |
| Graphic Designer in AZ | $58,510 | -2.0% | $28.13/hr |
| Electrician in AZ | $61,060 | +2.3% | $29.36/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do middle school teachers make in Arizona?
- The median salary for middle school teachers in Arizona is $59,710 per year, or approximately $29 per hour. This is 12.9% below the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for middle school teachers in Arizona?
- Middle school teacher salaries in Arizona range from $46,940 at the lower end to $81,420 at the higher end, representing significant variation based on experience and other factors.
Is Arizona's middle school teacher salary above or below the national average?
- Arizona's middle school teacher salary is below the national average, with the state's median of $59,710 per year being 12.9% lower than the national average.
How many middle school teachers are employed in Arizona?
- There are approximately 9,020 middle school teachers currently employed in Arizona, representing the total workforce in this field across the state.