Las Cruces vs Los Alamos: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Las Cruces, NM and Los Alamos, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Las Cruces, NM | Los Alamos, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,845▲ | $99,779 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.77▲ | $47.97 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,307▲ | $65,044 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,528▲ | $77,521 |
| 75th Percentile | $143,162▲ | $127,717 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $173,359▲ | $154,658 |
| Total Employed | 28▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Las Cruces, NM offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Alamos.
The salary gap between Las Cruces and Los Alamos is $12,066 (12.09%). 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 Las Cruces spans $107,052,Los Alamos spans $89,614. Las Cruces 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, Las Cruces ($118,480 effective) pays 12.09% more than Los Alamos ($105,698 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Los Alamos if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Las Cruces grew 2.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.9% growth in Los Alamos over the same period.
Las Cruces, NM
$105,332 (2024) → $108,377 (2025)
Los Alamos, NM
$93,968 (2024) → $96,685 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Cruces, NM
Los Alamos, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Las Cruces or Los Alamos?
What is the hourly rate difference between Las Cruces and Los Alamos?
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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