Las Cruces vs South Valley: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Las Cruces, NM and South Valley, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Las Cruces, NM | South Valley, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,845▲ | $104,837 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.77▲ | $50.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,307▲ | $61,109 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,528 | $82,460▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $143,162▲ | $134,191 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $173,359▲ | $162,497 |
| Total Employed | 28▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Las Cruces, NM offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Valley.
The salary gap between Las Cruces and South Valley is $7,008 (6.68%). 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,South Valley spans $101,388. 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 6.68% more than South Valley ($111,056 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 South Valley 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 South Valley over the same period.
Las Cruces, NM
$105,332 (2024) → $108,377 (2025)
South Valley, NM
$98,731 (2024) → $101,586 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Cruces, NM
South Valley, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Las Cruces or South Valley?
What is the hourly rate difference between Las Cruces and South Valley?
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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