Mesa vs Tucson: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Mesa, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mesa, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,219▲ | $55,934 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.64▲ | $26.89 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,208▲ | $42,012 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,878▲ | $46,600 |
| 75th Percentile | $97,560▲ | $80,034 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $118,140▲ | $89,789 |
| Total Employed | 98 | 360▲ |
Verdict
Mesa, AZ offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tucson.
The salary gap between Mesa and Tucson is $20,285 (36.27%). 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 Mesa spans $73,932,Tucson spans $47,777. 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 ($77,380 effective) pays 34.05% more than Tucson ($57,726 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 ($76,219/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($118,140)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,380)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Mesa grew -32.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -40.7% growth in Tucson over the same period.
Mesa, AZ
$107,982 (2024) → $72,951 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$90,300 (2021) → $53,536 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
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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