Santa Fe vs Taos: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Santa Fe, NM and Taos, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Santa Fe, NM | Taos, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,305▲ | $99,592 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.55▲ | $47.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,566▲ | $64,610 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,940▲ | $77,149 |
| 75th Percentile | $139,910▲ | $126,255 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,423▲ | $153,409 |
| Total Employed | 20▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Santa Fe, NM offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Taos.
The salary gap between Santa Fe and Taos is $9,713 (9.75%). Santa Fe's median is -18.53% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Santa Fe spans $103,857,Taos spans $88,799. Santa Fe 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, Santa Fe ($115,789 effective) pays 9.75% more than Taos ($105,500 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Santa Fe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($109,305/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,423)
- ✓Larger job market (20 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,789)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Taos if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Santa Fe grew 2.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.9% growth in Taos over the same period.
Santa Fe, NM
$102,939 (2024) → $105,916 (2025)
Taos, NM
$93,792 (2024) → $96,504 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
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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