Actuary Pay

Apache Junction vs Mesa: Actuary Salary (2026)

Compare actuary salaries between Apache Junction, AZ and Mesa, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Apache Junction, AZ
$127,409
$61.25/hr
Mesa, AZ
$142,312
$68.42/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricApache Junction, AZMesa, AZ
Median Salary$127,409$142,312
Hourly Rate$61.25$68.42
Entry Level (P10)$83,311$86,782
25th Percentile$99,530$107,053
75th Percentile$161,595$182,159
Top Earner (P90)$197,484$220,583
Total Employed698
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Apache Junction ($127,409) and Mesa ($142,312) actuary salaries.Apache JunctionMesaMedian Salary$127,409$142,312Entry Level (P10)$83,311$86,782Top Earner (P90)$197,484$220,583US Median $134,160

Verdict

Mesa, AZ offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Apache Junction.

The salary gap between Apache Junction and Mesa is $14,903 (11.70%). Mesa's median is +6.08% compared to the US national median of $134,160.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Apache Junction spans $114,173,Mesa spans $133,801. Mesa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced actuarys.

Apache Junction
P10 (Entry)$83,311
P25$99,530
Median$127,409
P75$161,595
P90 (Top)$197,484
Mesa
P10 (Entry)$86,782
P25$107,053
Median$142,312
P75$182,159
P90 (Top)$220,583

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Mesa ($144,479 effective) pays 11.70% more than Apache Junction ($129,349 effective).

Apache Junction
Nominal: $127,409
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $129,349
Mesa
Nominal: $142,312
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $144,479

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Apache Junction if…

  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Mesa if…

  • Higher median salary ($142,312/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($220,583)
  • Larger job market (98 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $144,479)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Apache Junction grew 13.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.3% growth in Mesa over the same period.

Apache Junction, AZ

+13.0%

$109,213 (2024) → $123,458 (2025)

Mesa, AZ

+13.3%

$121,745 (2024) → $137,899 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays actuarys more: Apache Junction or Mesa?

Mesa has a higher median actuary salary at $142,312/year, compared to Apache Junction at $127,409/year — a difference of $14,903 (11.70%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Apache Junction and Mesa?

Apache Junction actuarys earn $61.25/hr while Mesa hygienists earn $68.42/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Apache Junction to Mesa as a actuary?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Apache Junction and Mesa. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Apache Junction = $129,349, Mesa = $144,479), job availability (6 vs 98 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level actuarys earn in Apache Junction vs Mesa?

Entry-level (10th percentile) actuarys earn $83,311 in Apache Junction and $86,782 in Mesa. The Mesa area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

MC

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Patel, ASA, MAAAData verified by Aisha Khan, FSA, CERA

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