Flagstaff vs Tucson: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Flagstaff, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Flagstaff, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $161,584▲ | $112,563 |
| Hourly Rate | $77.69▲ | $54.12 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,650▲ | $67,322 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,909▲ | $103,967 |
| 75th Percentile | $186,052▲ | $177,173 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $226,613 | $228,801▲ |
| Total Employed | 140 | 1,690▲ |
Verdict
Flagstaff and Tucson are closely matched on overall lawyer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Flagstaff and Tucson is $49,021 (43.55%). Flagstaff's median is -3.34% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Flagstaff spans $141,963,Tucson spans $161,479. Tucson has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced lawyers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Flagstaff ($161,061 effective) pays 38.64% more than Tucson ($116,169 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Flagstaff if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($161,584/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $161,061)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($228,801)
- ✓Larger job market (1,690 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Flagstaff grew 39.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.4% growth in Tucson over the same period.
Flagstaff, AZ
$110,750 (2019) → $154,330 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$90,790 (2019) → $107,510 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Flagstaff, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov