Mesa vs Tempe: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Mesa, AZ and Tempe, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mesa, AZ | Tempe, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $142,312▲ | $132,706 |
| Hourly Rate | $68.42▲ | $63.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,782▲ | $83,120 |
| 25th Percentile | $107,053▲ | $101,146 |
| 75th Percentile | $182,159▲ | $169,863 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $220,583▲ | $205,694 |
| Total Employed | 98▲ | 43 |
Verdict
Mesa, AZ offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tempe.
The salary gap between Mesa and Tempe is $9,606 (7.24%). 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 Mesa spans $133,801,Tempe spans $122,574. Mesa 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, Mesa ($144,479 effective) pays 7.24% more than Tempe ($134,727 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Tempe if…
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Mesa grew 13.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.0% growth in Tempe over the same period.
Mesa, AZ
$121,745 (2024) → $137,899 (2025)
Tempe, AZ
$113,753 (2024) → $128,591 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Mesa or Tempe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mesa and Tempe?
Should I relocate from Mesa to Tempe as a actuary?
What do entry-level actuarys earn in Mesa vs Tempe?
Related Comparisons
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