Actuary Pay

Maricopa vs Tucson: Actuary Salary (2026)

Compare actuary salaries between Maricopa, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Maricopa, AZ
$133,951
$64.40/hr
Tucson, AZ
$144,837
$69.63/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMaricopa, AZTucson, AZ
Median Salary$133,951$144,837
Hourly Rate$64.40$69.63
Entry Level (P10)$81,069$84,006
25th Percentile$99,832$104,283
75th Percentile$171,456$185,392
Top Earner (P90)$207,623$224,497
Total Employed10137
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Maricopa ($133,951) and Tucson ($144,837) actuary salaries.MaricopaTucsonMedian Salary$133,951$144,837Entry Level (P10)$81,069$84,006Top Earner (P90)$207,623$224,497US Median $134,160

Verdict

Tucson, AZ offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Maricopa.

The salary gap between Maricopa and Tucson is $10,886 (8.13%). Tucson's median is +7.96% compared to the US national median of $134,160.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Maricopa spans $126,554,Tucson spans $140,491. Tucson has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced actuarys.

Maricopa
P10 (Entry)$81,069
P25$99,832
Median$133,951
P75$171,456
P90 (Top)$207,623
Tucson
P10 (Entry)$84,006
P25$104,283
Median$144,837
P75$185,392
P90 (Top)$224,497

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Tucson ($147,043 effective) pays 8.13% more than Maricopa ($135,991 effective).

Maricopa
Nominal: $133,951
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $135,991
Tucson
Nominal: $144,837
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $147,043

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Maricopa if…

  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Tucson if…

  • Higher median salary ($144,837/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($224,497)
  • Larger job market (137 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $147,043)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

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

Maricopa, AZ

+13.0%

$114,820 (2024) → $129,797 (2025)

Tucson, AZ

+13.0%

$124,152 (2024) → $140,346 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays actuarys more: Maricopa or Tucson?

Tucson has a higher median actuary salary at $144,837/year, compared to Maricopa at $133,951/year — a difference of $10,886 (8.13%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Maricopa and Tucson?

Maricopa actuarys earn $64.40/hr while Tucson hygienists earn $69.63/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Maricopa to Tucson as a actuary?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Maricopa and Tucson. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Maricopa = $135,991, Tucson = $147,043), job availability (10 vs 137 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level actuarys earn in Maricopa vs Tucson?

Entry-level (10th percentile) actuarys earn $81,069 in Maricopa and $84,006 in Tucson. The Tucson 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