Average salary in Arizona
The state of Arizona boasts a diverse landscape, from deserts to canyons to forests, and its economy is equally varied. As such, there is no one definitive ‘good’ salary in Arizona. Depending on your lifestyle, location, and profession, your earnings potential can vary greatly. Nevertheless, it’s helpful to get a sense of the financial climate in Arizona, especially if you’re considering moving there.
According to a 2021 report by CNBC, Arizona is one of the most affordable states in the country. While living expenses may be lower compared to other states, average salaries can still be competitive. But which cities and counties offer the highest average salaries?
The US Census Bureau’s latest American Community Survey has calculated the average earnings for the 20 largest cities in Arizona, which you can find ranked below.
| City | Average earnings |
|---|---|
| Queen Creek | $83,809 |
| Gilbert | $81,485 |
| Scottsdale | $72,455 |
| Chandler | $72,072 |
| Goodyear | $70,293 |
| Maricopa | $65,214 |
| Peoria | $63,025 |
| San Tan Valley | $59,874 |
| Surprise | $59,094 |
| Buckeye | $58,703 |
| Avondale | $57,170 |
| Casas Adobes | $56,164 |
| Mesa | $48,259 |
| Tempe | $48,183 |
| Flagstaff | $48,120 |
| Phoenix | $46,881 |
| Glendale | $46,855 |
| Yuma | $44,166 |
| Lake Havasu City | $42,718 |
| Tucson | $37,149 |
Average salary in Arizona by county
Reviewing average salaries in Arizona by city is not necessarily an adequate metric for average salaries across the state, since it’s entirely urban focused. A good idea is to weigh these figures up against the average salary in Arizona by county, as this will take areas outside the main cities into account and offer a broader idea of salary ranges.
The same survey from the US Census Bureau gives further insight this way, with the average household income calculated for the largest counties.
| County | Average household income |
|---|---|
| Maricopa County | $61,606 |
| Greenlee County | $60,962 |
| Coconino County | $57,616 |
| Pinal County | $55,550 |
| Graham County | $51,352 |
| Pima County | $51,037 |
| Yavapai County | $50,180 |
| Cochise County | $48,649 |
| Yuma County | $44,058 |
| Mohave County | $43,266 |
| Gila County | $42,092 |
| Santa Cruz County | $40,467 |
| Navajo County | $40,054 |
| La Paz County | $33,333 |
| Apache County | $32,963 |
Highest paying jobs in Arizona
There’s another weighty factor that will influence how much you earn if you live in Arizona: your job type. Average salaries for various sectors and job roles can vary massively across the state, so it’s absolutely something to consider when looking at salaries by location.
Zippia has calculated a comprehensive list of annual salaries by job title. You can also find the top 10 highest-paying titles in Arizona below.
| Occupation | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Chief Medical Officer | $208,587 |
| Primary Care Pediatrician | $198,997 |
| Finance Services Director | $191,456 |
| Vice President, Products & Marketing | $186,826 |
| Pain Management Physician | $186,115 |
| Vice President, Product Management | $185,379 |
| Vice President, Corporate Development | $183,596 |
| Vice President, Information Systems | $179,327 |
| Vice President, Field Operations | $178,204 |
| Acute Care Physician | $178,124 |
Frequently asked questions about salaries in Arizona
What is the average salary in Arizona by age?
Alongside location and occupation, salaries in Arizona are also dependent on age, since more senior workers will be paid more. Then, when they retire, their income will dip again as they will rely on pensions and other forms of set income.
The Census Bureau data finds that householders under 25 have a median household income of $41,571; householders aged 24 to 44 years old have a median income of $68,566; those aged 45 to 64 years old have a median income of $73,234; and those 65 and older have a median income of $46,856.
What is a ‘good’ salary in Arizona?
The median household income in Arizona is $65,599, and higher salaries may be required to live comfortably in certain areas of the state, particularly in major cities like Phoenix and Tucson. It's important to consider individual circumstances and needs when determining what constitutes a 'good' salary in Arizona.
What is the average salary in Arizona by hour?
If Americans work an average of 1,801 hours per year—at 37.5 hours a week—then the average hourly salary in Arizona is $24.84.
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Content writer
Kate has written for leading publications and blue chip companies over the last 20 years.