Teacher Salaries in Arizona: What You Need to Know
| by Alex Skov
Stunning landscapes, thriving cities with mountain views, and a diverse educational landscape. This is what you’ll find as a teacher in Arizona. Whether you’re a new educator considering a career in the Grand Canyon State or an experienced teacher looking to advance your career, understanding the ins-and-outs of teacher salaries in Arizona will help you make well-informed decisions about your professional journey.
Moreland University supports teachers at every stage of their careers with resources to help you navigate the teaching salary landscape in your state, the U.S., and abroad. Keep reading below for a thorough overview of compensation, salary-increasing opportunities, and other key factors affecting educator pay in Arizona. You can also find more details about being a teacher in Arizona on our website.
Starting Teacher Salaries in Arizona
Starting your teaching career in Arizona comes with a salary that reflects the state’s unique economic and educational environment. According to the National Education Association (NEA), the average starting salary for teachers in Arizona ranks 21st in the nation at approximately $44,124. This starting figure can change based on several factors, however, including the school district, your level of education, and any additional certifications you may have.
Average Teacher Salary in Arizona
On average, teachers in Arizona earn about $60,275 per year, based on NEA data. While this salary is slightly below the national average, Arizona’s lower cost of living — particularly in comparison to coastal states — can make this salary more competitive in real terms. Plus, an Arizona teacher’s average salary can be positively influenced by their years of experience, credentials, level of education, and the subject area they teach.
Additional benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development can also enhance the overall compensation package for teachers in Arizona.
When comparing these salaries to other career paths, it’s also important to consider educator salaries often reflect 10 months of work as it’s common for teachers to have the summer and holiday breaks off work.
Variations in Average Teacher Salaries in Arizona
Depending on the county or district you’re teaching in, educator salaries in Arizona can vary. Notice the differences in average teacher salaries among the cities below, which ZipRecruiter identified as having the best pay for teachers in Arizona.
| City | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
| Trovia | $49,146 | $23.63 |
| Peoria | $47,976 | $23.07 |
| Tucson | $47,229 | $22.71 |
| Laveen | $47,188 | $22.69 |
| Sedona | $46,983 | $22.59 |
| Grand Canyon | $46,859 | $22.53 |
| Chandler | $46,200 | $22.21 |
| Glendale | $46,089 | $22.16 |
| Tolleson | $45,991 | $22.11 |
| Goodyear | $45,596 | $21.92 |
Working as an educator in a rural town may come with a lower salary, however. Teachers in Jerome, Arizona — often cited as one of the most interesting small towns to live in when residing in the Southwest — earn about $38,750 annually, according to Indeed. This can be due to a variety of different reasons.
Factors Influencing Teacher Salaries in Arizona
As mentioned above, several key factors influence teacher salaries across Arizona, including location. Other variables include:
- Education and certification: Teachers with advanced degrees or specialized certifications — like a master’s degree or National Board Certification — often receive higher salaries than those without additional credentials.
- Experience: As in most professions, experience plays a significant role in a teacher’s salary progression. In Arizona, teachers with more years in the classroom typically earn higher salaries, with incremental increases often built into district salary schedules.
- District funding: Salaries can vary widely based on the district. For instance, teachers in urban districts near Phoenix or Tucson may receive higher salaries compared to their counterparts in rural districts, partly due to the higher cost of living in these cities. Additionally, districts with larger budgets may offer higher salaries for teachers due to local property taxes or state funding formulas.
- Specialized teaching roles: Positions in special education, STEM fields, or other high-demand areas often come with additional stipends or higher base salaries. Arizona has a particular need for teachers in these specialized areas, and districts often offer incentives to attract qualified candidates.
Advancing Beyond Average Teacher Salary in Arizona
Arizona offers several pathways for teachers who want to advance their careers and increase their earnings:
- Advanced degrees and certifications: Completing a teacher certification program and obtaining a U.S. teaching license is a great start for anyone wanting to pursue a career in education. Earning a master’s degree, a doctorate, or obtaining National Board Certification can lead to significant salary increases beyond the average teacher salary in Arizona.
- Leadership roles: Taking on leadership roles such as becoming a department head, instructional coach, or even moving into administrative positions like principal or assistant principal can result in substantial salary boosts. Programs like our Master’s in Educational Leadership are perfect for individuals considering this career path.
- Additional responsibilities: Teachers who take on extra duties coaching sports teams, leading extracurricular activities, or serving as mentors for newer educators can often earn stipends that increase their overall compensation.
- Years of service: Many districts in Arizona have step systems that provide automatic salary increases based on years of service. This means that the longer a teacher stays within a district, the more their salary will grow over time.
Average Teacher Salary in Arizona vs. Other States
When comparing Arizona’s teacher salaries with those in other states, it’s important to consider the state’s cost of living. According to the NEA, Arizona’s average teacher salary ranks below the national average. However, when adjusted for the cost of living, Arizona’s salaries are more competitive, particularly when compared to states like California that have much higher living costs but only marginally higher salaries.
Budget and Funding Factors on Arizona Teacher Salaries
Teacher salaries in Arizona are heavily influenced by the state’s budget and education funding. The Arizona Department of Education outlines budget information for every fiscal year that can be used to understand how its funds are used and how it affects teacher salaries. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also provides state-specific information about teacher salaries that can provide helpful comparisons with your district’s budget details.
Level-Up Your Arizona Teaching Salary with Moreland University
Arizona offers a unique set of rewards and opportunities when it comes to teacher salaries and professional development. Whether you’re just starting your journey as a professional educator or looking for career advancement, Moreland can help you build a resume that matches your goals with fully remote teacher certification and online master’s degree programs designed to help you thrive as an educator in Arizona.
Learn more about how Moreland supports teachers in Arizona and sign up for an info session!
