Maricopa vs Mesa: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Maricopa, AZ and Mesa, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Maricopa, AZ | Mesa, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,292 | $76,219▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.39 | $36.64▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,869 | $44,208▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,010 | $54,878▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $83,574 | $97,560▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,202 | $118,140▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 98▲ |
Verdict
Mesa, AZ offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Maricopa.
The salary gap between Maricopa and Mesa is $10,927 (16.74%). 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 Maricopa spans $63,333,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 16.74% more than Maricopa ($66,286 effective).
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 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 Maricopa grew -38.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -32.4% growth in Mesa over the same period.
Maricopa, AZ
$101,841 (2024) → $62,492 (2025)
Mesa, AZ
$107,982 (2024) → $72,951 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Maricopa, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Maricopa or Mesa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Maricopa and Mesa?
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Related Comparisons
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