Actuary Salary in Mesa, AZ: $142,312 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time actuary in Mesa, AZ earns a median $142,312/year (≈ $68.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-2011). Once you factor in Mesa's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $144,479 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.7% above the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mesa, Arizona, the projected compensation for actuaries in 2026 is $142,312 annually, surpassing the national median of $134,160 by approximately 6.08%. This attractive salary is accompanied by a broad range, with the lowest 10% earning around $86,782 and the highest 90% making as much as $220,583. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, thoughtfully adjusted for local economic conditions. Actuaries in Mesa benefit from a job market that leans favorably towards consultants, such as Milliman and Mercer, who typically offer higher pay compared to traditional insurers. This trend reflects the area's growing recognition of the value that actuaries bring to organizations striving to navigate complex financial landscapes.
About the Mesa Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,782 | $41.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $107,053 | $51.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $142,312 | $68.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $182,159 | $87.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $220,583 | $106.05 |
Median Salary Position
6.08% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mesa
In Mesa, AZ, the actuary salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $133,801 (2026 est.). At $142,312, the local median is 6.08% above the national median of $134,160.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mesa: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mesa Actuary Pay Compares
Mesa median: $142,312/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mesa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $132,137 | +7.70% more |
| National Average | $134,160 | +6.08% more |
Actuarys in Mesa, AZ earn a median of $142,312 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.08% higher than the national median of $134,160 and 7.70% above the Arizona state average of $132,137.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mesa has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Mesa, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A actuary earning $142,312 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $144,479 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$114,934
2025 BLS Actual
$137,899
2026 Current Est.
$142,312
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Mesa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,934 | Actual |
| 2020 | $117,776 | Actual |
| 2021 | $112,335 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,916 | Actual |
| 2023 | $127,291 | Actual |
| 2024 | $121,745 | Actual |
| 2025 | $137,899 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $142,312 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $146,866 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mesa metropolitan area, the median actuary salary grew 20.0% from $114,934 (2019) to $137,899 (2025). At a 3.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $146,866 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,932 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mesa metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.20% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $86,782 – $107,053 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $107,053 – $142,312 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $142,312 – $182,159 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $182,159 – $220,583 |
ASA, FSA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual actuary compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Actuary Job Market in Mesa
A closer examination of the local job market reveals that Mesa hosts approximately 98 actuaries, reflecting a steady professional presence. The cost of living index stands at 98.5, which indicates that living expenses are slightly below the national average, enhancing the purchasing power for actuaries in the area. Employers such as Prudential, UnitedHealth, and consulting firms like WTW often set the highest salaries within this field. Significant factors contributing to the wage variance include the type of employer, the actuary's exam progression, and credential levels. Each passed SOA or CAS exam can lead to a pay increment of $3,000 to $8,000, making the ASA-to-FSA transition particularly lucrative. For those currently exploring opportunities in Mesa, pursuing specialties in consulting or property and casualty reinsurance can also yield higher compensation, bolstered by study time benefits and generous signing bonuses for those who achieve credentials.
More salary data for Mesa, AZ:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $137,899 for actuariesin the Mesa metropolitan area. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Mesa is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.20%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for actuarys (SOC 15-2011).
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov