Gilbert vs Mesa: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Gilbert, AZ and Mesa, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gilbert, AZ | Mesa, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,046 | $76,219▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.75 | $36.64▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,307 | $44,208▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,553 | $54,878▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $84,539 | $97,560▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,372 | $118,140▲ |
| Total Employed | 49 | 98▲ |
Verdict
Mesa, AZ offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Gilbert.
The salary gap between Gilbert and Mesa is $10,173 (15.40%). Mesa's median is -5.19% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gilbert spans $64,065,Mesa spans $73,932. Mesa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced data analysts.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Mesa ($77,380 effective) pays 15.40% more than Gilbert ($67,052 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gilbert if…
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Mesa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,219/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($118,140)
- ✓Larger job market (98 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,380)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Gilbert grew -38.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -32.4% growth in Mesa over the same period.
Gilbert, AZ
$103,016 (2024) → $63,214 (2025)
Mesa, AZ
$107,982 (2024) → $72,951 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gilbert, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Gilbert or Mesa?
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Should I relocate from Gilbert to Mesa as a data analyst?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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 Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov