Farmington vs Las Cruces: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Farmington, NM and Las Cruces, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Farmington, NM | Las Cruces, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,693 | $111,845▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.29 | $53.77▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,852 | $66,307▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,719 | $80,528▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $135,805 | $143,162▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $165,375 | $173,359▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 28▲ |
Verdict
Las Cruces, NM offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Farmington.
The salary gap between Farmington and Las Cruces is $5,152 (4.83%). Las Cruces's median is -16.63% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Farmington spans $100,523,Las Cruces spans $107,052. Las Cruces has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced actuarys.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Las Cruces ($118,480 effective) pays 4.83% more than Farmington ($113,022 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Farmington if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Las Cruces if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,845/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($173,359)
- ✓Larger job market (28 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $118,480)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Farmington grew 2.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.9% growth in Las Cruces over the same period.
Farmington, NM
$100,480 (2024) → $103,385 (2025)
Las Cruces, NM
$105,332 (2024) → $108,377 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Farmington, NM
Las Cruces, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Farmington or Las Cruces?
What is the hourly rate difference between Farmington and Las Cruces?
Should I relocate from Farmington to Las Cruces as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Farmington vs Las Cruces?
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