Albuquerque vs Gallup: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Gallup, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | Gallup, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $117,895▲ | $100,650 |
| Hourly Rate | $56.68▲ | $48.39 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,379▲ | $67,517 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,884▲ | $79,264 |
| 75th Percentile | $150,905▲ | $128,832 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $182,736▲ | $156,007 |
| Total Employed | 109▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Albuquerque, NM offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Gallup.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Gallup is $17,245 (17.13%). Albuquerque's median is -12.12% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $114,357,Gallup spans $88,490. Albuquerque has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Albuquerque ($124,889 effective) pays 17.13% more than Gallup ($106,621 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albuquerque if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($117,895/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($182,736)
- ✓Larger job market (109 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $124,889)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Gallup if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Albuquerque grew 2.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.9% growth in Gallup over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$111,029 (2024) → $114,239 (2025)
Gallup, NM
$94,788 (2024) → $97,529 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Gallup, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in life insurance. She specializes in risk assessment and pricing strategies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.20% 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 Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov